VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST SER 145
487, 1999-03-09
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                              MEMORANDUM OF CHANGES
                     VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 145

         The Prospectus filed with Amendment No. 1 of the Registration Statement
on Form S-6 has been revised to reflect information regarding the deposit of Van
Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145 on March 8, 1999. An effort has been made to
set forth below each of the major changes from the material previously submitted
and also to reflect the same by blacklining the marked counterparts of the
Prospectus submitted with the Amendment.

         Cover Page. The date of the Prospectus has been completed.

         Pages 2-3. "The Summary of Essential Financial Information" section and
                    "Fee Table" have been completed.

         Pages 4-14. The portfolios have been completed and various information
                     has been updated.

         Pages 15-20. The descriptions of the issuers of the Securities have
                      been revised.

         Pages 21-23. The Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants and
                      Statements of Condition have been completed.


                                                       FILE NO.  333-72087
                                                           CIK   #1025268


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549-1004

                                 Amendment No. 1
                                       to
                                    Form S-6

For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2.


A.       Exact Name of Trust:       VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 145

B.       Name of Depositor:         VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.

C.       Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:

                                           One Parkview Plaza
                                           Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois  60181

D.       Name and complete address of agents for service:

 CHAPMAN AND CUTLER            VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
 Attention:  Mark J. Kneedy    Attention:  A. Thomas Smith III, General Counsel
 111 West Monroe Street        One Parkview Plaza
 Chicago, Illinois  60603      Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois  60181


E.       Title of securities being registered: Units of undivided beneficial 
         interest

F.       Approximate date of proposed sale to the public:


             AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT

     / X / Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective 
           at 8:00 a.m. on March 9, 1999 pursuant to Rule 487. ----

<PAGE>

                                   Van Kampen
                                Focus Portfolios
   
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust
March 1999 Series

The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust
March 1999 Series

Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust
March 1999 Series

EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust
March 1999 Series

Euro Strategic 20 Trust
March 1999 Series





- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145 includes the unit investment trusts
described above (the "Trusts"). Each Trust uses a refined indexing strategy that
seeks to identify a diversified portfolio of well-known, undervalued stocks.
Each Trust seeks to provide above-average total return by increasing the value
of your Units and providing dividend income. Of course, we cannot guarantee that
a Trust will achieve its objective.







   The Units are not deposits or obligations of any bank or government agency
                             and are not guaranteed.

                         Prospectus Dated March 9, 1999

       You should read this prospectus and retain it for future reference.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of the
        Units or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus.
               Any contrary representation is a criminal offense.
   
                   Summary of Essential Financial Information
                                  March 8, 1999


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    The DowSM
                                                                                    Strategic
                                                                                    10 and 5                  Other
Public Offering Price                                                                Trusts                  Trusts
                                                                                  ------------            ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                      <C>       
Aggregate value of Securities per Unit (1)                                        $     9.900              $    9.900
Sales charge                                                                            0.275                   0.295
   Less deferred sales charge                                                           0.175                   0.195
Public offering price per Unit (2)                                                $    10.000              $   10.000
<CAPTION>
General Information
<S>                                                                          <C>    
Initial Date of Deposit                                                      March 8, 1999
Mandatory Termination Date                                                   April 11, 2000
Record Dates                                                                 September 10, 1999 and April 11, 2000
Distribution Dates                                                           September 25, 1999 and April 21, 2000
<CAPTION>
                                                             Estimated        Estimated                       Estimated
                              Initial        Aggregate        Initial          Annual         Redemption   Organizational
                              Number of       Value of      Distribution      Dividends        Price per      Costs per
Trust Information             Units (3)    Securities (1)   per Unit (4)    per Unit (4)       Unit (5)       Unit (1)
                            ------------   --------------   -------------   -------------    -------------  -------------
<S>                               <C>      <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
The DowSM Strategic 10
    Trust                         15,121   $      149,691   $        0.13   $     0.28347   $       9.720   $    0.01506
The DowSM Strategic 5
  Trust                           15,160   $      150,082   $        0.11   $     0.24842   $       9.720   $    0.01401
Strategic Picks
  Opportunity Trust               15,079   $      149,275   $        0.10   $     0.23789   $       9.700   $    0.02170
EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust         25,306   $      250,521   $        0.22   $     0.30347   $       9.680   $    0.00000
Euro Strategic 20 Trust           25,457   $      252,016   $        0.22   $     0.24347   $       9.680   $    0.00000
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)Each Security is valued at the last closing sale price on its principal
   trading exchange or, if not listed, at the last asked price on the day before
   the Initial Date of Deposit. You will bear all or a portion of the expenses
   incurred in organizing and offering your Trust. The public offering price
   includes the estimated amount of these costs. The Trustee will deduct these
   expenses from your Trust at the end of the initial offering period
   (approximately one month). The estimated amount is described above and is
   included in the "Estimated Costs Over Time" on the next page.
(2)The public offering price will include any accumulated dividends or cash in
   the Income or Capital Accounts of a Trust.
(3)The number of Units may be adjusted so that the public offering price per
   Unit equals $10 at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the day
   following the Initial Date of Deposit. The number of Units and fractional
   interest of each Unit in a Trust will increase or decrease to the extent of
   any adjustment.
(4)This estimate is based on the most recently declared quarterly dividends or
   interim and final dividends accounting for any foreign withholding taxes.
   Actual dividends may vary due to a variety of factors. See "Risk Factors".
(5)The redemption price is reduced by any remaining deferred sales charge. See
   "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". The redemption price includes
   the estimated organizational and offering costs. The redemption price will
   not include these costs after the initial offering period.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                    Fee Table
<CAPTION>

                                                                          The DowSM
                                                                          Strategic
                                                                          10 and 5        Other
Transaction Fees (as % of offering price)                                  Trusts        Trusts
                                                                         ----------      ------
<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>  
Initial sales charge (1)                                                    1.00%         1.00%
Deferred sales charge (2)                                                   1.75%         1.95%
                                                                           ------        ------
Maximum sales charge                                                        2.75%         2.95%
                                                                           ======        ======
Maximum sales charge on reinvested dividends                                1.75%         1.95%
                                                                           ======        ======
   
<CAPTION>
                                                          Trustee's       Supervisory      Estimated
                                                            Fee and           and            Annual
                                                          Operating        Evaluation       Expenses
Estimated Annual Expenses per Unit                         Expenses           Fees          per Unit
                                                        --------------   -------------      ------------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>                <C>         
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust                            $      0.00812   $    0.00500       $    0.01312
The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust                             $      0.00812   $    0.00500       $    0.01312
Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust                       $      0.01188   $    0.00500       $    0.01688
EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust                               $      0.06500   $    0.00500       $    0.07000
Euro Strategic 20 Trust                                 $      0.06500   $    0.00500       $    0.07000
<CAPTION>
Estimated Costs Over Time (3)                              One Year       Three Years     Five Years         Ten Years
                                                        --------------   -------------   -------------    --------------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>                   <C>              <C>
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust                            $          30    $         72          N/A              N/A
The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust                             $          30    $         72          N/A              N/A
Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust                       $          33    $         81          N/A              N/A
EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust                               $          37    $         91          N/A              N/A
Euro Strategic 20 Trust                                 $          37    $         91          N/A              N/A

   This fee table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs that you
will bear and to present a comparison of fees. The "Estimated Costs Over Time"
example illustrates the expenses you would pay on a $1,000 investment assuming a
5% annual return and redemption at the end of each period. This example assumes
that you roll your investment into a new series of the Trust each year. Of
course, you should not consider this example a representation of actual past or
future expenses or annual rate of return which may differ from those assumed for
this example. The sales charge and expenses are described under "Public
Offering" and "Trust Operating Expenses".

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)The initial sales charge is the difference between the maximum sales charge
   and the deferred sales charge.
(2)The deferred sales charge is actually equal to $0.195 per Unit ($0.175 per
   Unit for The DowSM Strategic 10 and 5 Trusts). This amount will exceed the
   percentage above if the public offering price per Unit falls below $10 and
   will be less than the percentage above if the public offering price per Unit
   exceeds $10. The deferred sales charge accrues daily and is assessed from May
   11, 1999 through March 10, 2000.
(3)These examples include the estimated expenses incurred in establishing and
   offering your Trust. The amount of these expenses is described on the
   preceding page.
    
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust
   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Buy the ten highest 
dividend-yielding stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and hold them for
about one year. When the Trust terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy
by redeeming your Units and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio,
if available.


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]


   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption and Rollover".
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
- ----------      -----------------------------------        ---------------      -----------         -------------
<S>             <C>                                        <C>                        <C>           <C>         
       305      Caterpillar, Inc.                          $       49.875             2.41%         $  15,211.88
       184      Chevron Corporation                                81.375             3.00             14,973.00
       282      Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours and Company              53.563             2.61             15,104.63
       227      Eastman Kodak Company                              65.125             2.70             14,783.38
       213      Exxon Corporation                                  69.688             2.35             14,843.44
       297      Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company                     51.000             2.35             15,147.00
       368      International Paper Company                        40.375             2.48             14,858.00
       130      J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc.                       114.563             3.46             14,893.13
       196      Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company         77.125             2.90             15,116.50
       369      Philip Morris Companies, Inc.                      40.000             4.40             14,760.00
- ----------                                                                                          -------------
     2,571                                                                                          $ 149,690.96
==========                                                                                          =============

See "Notes to Portfolios".
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
    
Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("The Dow 30SM"). Total return includes any
dividends paid on the stocks together with any increase or decrease in the value
of the stocks. The table illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy
Stocks at the beginning of each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust,
redeeming them after one year and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust
portfolio each year.

   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Hypothetical Total Return
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Year            Strategy Stocks          The Dow 30SM           Year                Strategy Stocks    The Dow 30SM
  ---------------------------------------------------             ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                    <C>                  <C>                     <C>                   <C>  
  1974                (0.72)%                (23.21)%             1987                    5.93%                 6.02%
  1975                56.52                   44.48               1988                   24.75                 15.95
  1976                34.93                   22.75               1989                   25.08                 31.71
  1977                (1.75)                 (12.70)              1990                   (7.57)                (0.58)
  1978                 0.12                    2.69               1991                   34.86                 23.93
  1979                12.37                   10.52               1992                    7.85                  7.35
  1980                27.23                   21.41               1993                   26.93                 16.74
  1981                 7.52                   (3.40)              1994                    4.12                  4.95
  1982                26.03                   25.79               1995                   36.58                 36.49
  1983                38.75                   25.65               1996                   28.05                 28.58
  1984                11.82                    1.08               1997                   21.98                 24.78
  1985                29.45                   32.78               1998                   10.63                 18.13
  1986                35.77                   26.92
See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
</TABLE>
The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust
   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Select the ten highest
dividend-yielding stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Eliminate the
stock with the lowest share price. Of the remaining stocks, buy the five with
the lowest share price and hold them for about one year. When the Trust
terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy by redeeming your Units and
reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio, if available.


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]





   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption and Rollover".
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
- ----------      -----------------------------------        ---------------      -----------         -------------
<S>             <C>                                        <C>                        <C>           <C>         
       609      Caterpillar, Inc.                          $       49.875             2.41%         $  30,373.88
       563      DuPont (E.I.) de Nemours and Company               53.563             2.61             30,155.69
       453      Eastman Kodak Company                              65.125             2.70             29,501.63
       594      Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company                     51.000             2.35             30,294.00
       737      International Paper Company                        40.375             2.48             29,756.38
- ----------                                                                                          -------------
     2,956                                                                                          $  150,081.58
==========                                                                                          =============

See "Notes to Portfolios".
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("The Dow 30SM"). Total return includes any
dividends paid on the stocks together with any increase or decrease in the value
of the stocks. The table illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy
Stocks at the beginning of each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust,
redeeming them after one year and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust
portfolio each year.
   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Hypothetical Total Return
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Year            Strategy Stocks          The Dow 30SM           Year                Strategy Stocks      The Dow 30SM
  ---------------------------------------------------             ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>                   <C>                  <C>                    <C>                   <C>  
  1974                 0.56%                 (23.21)%             1987                   (2.75)%               6.02%
  1975                64.54                   44.48               1988                   22.65                15.95
  1976                39.29                   22.75               1989                   10.49                31.71
  1977                (4.82)                 (12.70)              1990                  (20.71)               (0.58)
  1978                 0.76                    2.69               1991                   56.02                23.93
  1979                19.86                   10.52               1992                   24.96                 7.35
  1980                32.33                   21.41               1993                   38.67                16.74
  1981                 3.15                   (3.40)              1994                    3.33                 4.95
  1982                48.11                   25.79               1995                   42.57                36.49
  1983                43.50                   25.65               1996                   32.06                28.58
  1984                11.60                    1.08               1997                   27.68                24.78
  1985                37.00                   32.78               1998                   15.53                18.13
  1986                36.10                   26.92

See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust
   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Beginning with the Morgan
Stanley Capital International USA Index, remove all stocks of financial and
utility companies and stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Screen this
pool of stocks to include only those companies with positive one- and three-year
sales and earnings growth and two years of positive dividend growth. Rank the
remaining stocks by annual trading volume and select the top 75%. Buy the ten
highest dividend-yielding stocks and hold them for about one year. When the
Trust terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy by redeeming your Units
and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio, if available.

   The MSCI USA Index represents approximately 370 large United States
companies. The index has existed since January 1, 1970.


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]




   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption and Rollover".
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
- ----------      -----------------------------------        ---------------      -----------         -------------
<S>    <C>                                                 <C>                        <C>           <C>         
       460      Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.           $       32.125             2.12%         $  14,777.50
       268      Bell Atlantic Corporation                          55.313             2.78             14,823.75
       183      General Mills, Inc.                                80.875             2.72             14,800.13
       493      Genuine Parts Company                              30.188             3.45             14,882.44
       280      Heinz (H.J.) Company                               52.688             2.60             14,752.50
       248      May Department Stores Company                      60.000             2.23             14,880.00
       326      Newell Company                                     47.125             1.70             15,362.75
       282      PPG Industries, Inc.                               53.375             2.85             15,051.75
       541      Sara Lee Corporation                               27.625             1.81             14,945.13
       566      Sherwin-Williams Company                           26.500             1.81             14,999.00
- ----------                                                                                          -------------
     3,647                                                                                          $  149,274.95
==========                                                                                          =============

See "Notes to Portfolios".
    
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the MSCI USA Index. Total return includes any dividends paid on the stocks
together with any increase or decrease in the value of the stocks. The table
illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy Stocks at the beginning of
each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust, redeeming them after one year
and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio each year.
   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Hypothetical Total Return
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Strategy                 MSCIUSA                                     Strategy              MSCIUSA
  Year                Stocks                   Index                Year                   Stocks                Index
  --------------------------------------------------                -------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                     <C>                   <C>                     <C>                 <C>    
  1979                17.00%                  13.86%                1990                    0.52%               (1.89)%
  1980                40.64                   27.97                 1991                   47.88                30.17
  1981                 5.09                   (3.50)                1992                    2.26                 7.06
  1982                39.84                   20.13                 1993                    7.32                 9.82
  1983                17.66                   21.11                 1994                    9.91                 2.05
  1984                10.89                    5.71                 1995                   38.10                37.04
  1985                46.11                   31.04                 1996                   23.90                23.36
  1986                34.86                   17.02                 1997                   28.64                33.35
  1987                11.38                    4.41                 1998                   27.23                30.72
  1988                16.05                   15.34
  1989                31.87                   30.21

See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust

   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Begin with the stocks in the
Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East Index as
detailed below, one of the most widely-used benchmarks for international
investing. Screen these stocks to include only those companies with positive
one- and three-year sales and earnings growth and three years of positive
dividend growth. Rank the remaining stocks by market capitalization and select
the top 75%. Buy the twenty highest dividend-yielding stocks and hold them for
about one year. When the Trust terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy
by redeeming your Units and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio,
if available.
   Many consider the MSCI EAFESM Index to be the premier equity benchmark for
global investing. The index represents more than 1,000 stocks in 38 industries
across 20 developed countries. These countries include Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,



                               [INSERT CHART HERE]



Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We
eliminate stocks traded in Singapore from the Trust strategy to help limit
exposure to uncertain political and economic conditions.
   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption and Rollover".
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
- ----------      -------------------------------------     ---------------      -----------         -------------
<S>             <C>                                        <C>                        <C>           <C>         
     1,809      Australian Gas Light Company Limited       $        6.817             3.37%         $  12,332.80
       875      Autopistas, Concesionaria Espanola SA              14.436             2.88             12,631.82
       370      BASF AG                                            34.140             2.92             12,631.82
       358      Bayer AG                                           34.465             2.75             12,338.54
     2,500      CLP Holdings Limited                                4.646             4.39             11,615.90
        33      Electrabel SA                                     386.921             2.88             12,768.38
       807      Elsevier NV                                        15.932             2.49             12,857.14
     8,220      Fiat SpA-PFD                                        1.534             2.96             12,606.13
    10,000      Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited             1.239             3.65             12,390.29
     7,200      Hong Kong Telecommunications Limited                1.807             6.09             13,009.81
       112      Imetal SA                                         112.608             2.18             12,612.09
       345      Lagardere S.C.A.                                   36.850             1.68             12,713.10
     4,483      Santos Limited                                      2.834             5.54             12,703.95
       206      SEITA                                              59.935             1.71             12,346.56
       187      Solvay SA                                          66.980             2.73             12,525.17
     1,694      TABCORP Holdings Limited                            7.284             2.50             12,338.58
       132      Technip                                            96.459             2.11             12,732.61
     2,455      Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited          5.073             3.78             12,454.32
       249      VEBA AG                                            50.614             2.07             12,602.88
       432      Zardoya Otis SA                                    28.493             2.62             12,309.15
- ----------                                                                                          -------------
    42,467                                                                                          $  250,521.04
==========                                                                                          =============

See "Notes to Portfolios".
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the MSCI EAFESM Index. Total return includes any dividends paid on the stocks
together with any increase or decrease in the value of the stocks. The table
illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy Stocks at the beginning of
each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust, redeeming them after one year
and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio each year.
   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Hypothetical Total Return
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               MSCI                                                              MSCI
                     Strategy                 EAFESM                                      Strategy              EAFESM
  Year                Stocks                   Index                Year                   Stocks                Index
  --------------------------------------------------                -------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>                  <C>   
  1974               (39.41)%                (22.14)%               1987                   32.39%               24.93%
  1975               100.38                   37.10                 1988                   28.25                28.59
  1976               (10.25)                   3.74                 1989                    7.68                10.80
  1977                52.69                   19.42                 1990                   (4.90)              (23.20)
  1978                 9.26                   34.30                 1991                   16.94                12.50
  1979                26.96                    6.18                 1992                    4.73               (11.85)
  1980                23.26                   24.43                 1993                   62.76                32.94
  1981                 6.49                   (1.03)                1994                    3.25                 8.06
  1982                (0.84)                  (0.86)                1995                   24.70                11.55
  1983                44.67                   24.61                 1996                   22.02                 6.36
  1984                21.01                    7.86                 1997                   24.82                 2.06
  1985                49.75                   56.72                 1998                   24.72                20.33
  1986                34.96                   69.94

See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
</TABLE>
Euro Strategic 20 Trust

   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Begin with the stocks in the
Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe Index. Screen these stocks to
include only those companies with positive one- and three-year sales and
earnings growth and three years of positive dividend growth. Rank the remaining
stocks by market capitalization and select the top 75%. Buy the twenty highest
dividend-yielding stocks and hold them for about one year. When the Trust
terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy by redeeming your Units and
reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio, if available.
   The MSCI Europe Index is a common benchmark used to compare investments in
Europe. Created in 1969, the index currently includes nearly 600 stocks from 15
developed European countries. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]


   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption and Rollover".
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
- ----------      -----------------------------------       ---------------      -----------         -------------
<S>             <C>                                        <C>                        <C>           <C>         
       875      Autopistas, Concesionaria Espanola SA      $       14.436             2.88%         $  12,631.82
       370      BASF AG                                            34.140             2.92             12,631.82
       358      Bayer AG                                           34.465             2.75             12,338.54
       141      Cimenteries CBR Cementbedrijven                    88.331             2.59             12,454.62
        78      Compagnie de Saint Gobain                         162.572             1.60             12,680.59
        33      Electrabel SA                                     386.921             2.88             12,768.38
       807      Elsevier NV                                        15.932             2.49             12,857.14
     8,220      Fiat SpA-PFD                                        1.534             2.96             12,606.13
     7,730      Fiat SpA-RNC                                        1.609             3.53             12,441.12
       112      Imetal SA                                         112.608             2.18             12,612.09
       813      Kesko Oyj                                          15.228             4.05             12,380.00
       345      Lagardere S.C.A.                                   36.850             1.68             12,713.10
        24      Linde AG                                          531.067             2.07             12,745.62
        57      Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy                       222.181             1.41             12,664.33
     1,745      Riunione Adriatica di Sicurta SpA                   7.435             2.04             12,973.98
       206      SEITA                                              59.935             1.71             12,346.56
       187      Solvay SA                                          66.980             2.73             12,525.17
       132      Technip                                            96.459             2.11             12,732.61
       249      VEBA AG                                            50.614             2.07             12,602.88
       432      Zardoya Otis SA                                    28.493             2.62             12,309.15
- ----------                                                                                          -------------
    22,914                                                                                          $  252,015.65
==========                                                                                          =============

See "Notes to Portfolios".
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the MSCI Europe Index. Total return includes any dividends paid on the stocks
together with any increase or decrease in the value of the stocks. The table
illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy Stocks at the beginning of
each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust, redeeming them after one year
and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio each year.
   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Hypothetical Total Return
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  MSCI MSCI
                     Strategy                 Europe                                      Strategy              Europe
  Year                Stocks                   Index                Year                   Stocks                Index
  -------------------------------------------------                 -------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>                   <C>  
  1974               (42.00)%                (22.78)%               1987                   33.71%                4.10%
  1975               105.44                   43.90                 1988                   20.54                16.35
  1976               (15.95)                  (6.37)                1989                   12.29                29.06
  1977                58.78                   23.92                 1990                    3.35                (3.37)
  1978                12.19                   24.30                 1991                   12.08                13.66
  1979                26.96                   14.67                 1992                   (8.69)               (4.25)
  1980                24.95                   14.53                 1993                   15.61                29.79
  1981                 6.49                  (10.45)                1994                    4.02                 2.66
  1982                11.31                    5.69                 1995                   22.92                22.13
  1983                23.57                   22.38                 1996                   22.74                21.57
  1984                18.23                    1.26                 1997                   36.35                24.20
  1985                60.66                   79.79                 1998                   25.79                28.91
  1986                28.68                   44.46

See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables"
</TABLE>
Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables
   The stocks for each strategy for each period were identified by applying the
applicable Trust strategy on the first trading day of the period on the
principal trading exchange. It should be noted that the stocks in any table are
not the same stocks from year to year and may not be the same stocks as those
included in any Trust. Total return for each period was calculated by (1)
subtracting the closing sale price of the stocks on the first trading day of the
period from the closing sale price of the stocks on the last trading day of the
period, (2) adding dividends paid during that period and (3) dividing the result
by the closing sale price of the stocks on the first trading day of the period.
Adjustments were made to reflect events such as stock splits and corporate
spin-offs. Total return does not take into consideration sales charges,
commissions, expenses or taxes that will be incurred by Unitholders. With
respect to foreign securities, all values are converted into U.S. dollars using
the applicable currency exchange rate.

   These tables represent hypothetical past performance of the Trust strategies
(not the Trusts) and are not guarantees or indications of future performance of
any Trust. Unitholders will not necessarily realize as high a total return as
the hypothetical returns in the tables for several reasons including, among
others: the total return figures in the tables do not reflect sales charges,
commissions, Trust expenses or taxes; the Trusts are established at different
times of the year; a Trust may not be able to invest equally in the Securities
and may not be fully invested at all times; the Securities are often purchased
or sold at prices different from the closing prices used in buying and selling
Units; and currency exchange rates will be different. In addition, both stock
prices (which may appreciate or depreciate) and dividends (which may be
increased, reduced or eliminated) will affect actual returns. There can be no
assurance that any Trust will outperform the related stock index over its life
or future rollover periods, if available. The sources for the information
contained in the tables are Barron's, Bloomberg L.P., Dow Jones Corporation,
Morgan Stanley Capital International, Ibbotson Associates, Datastream
International, Inc. and Extell Financial LTD. The Sponsor has not independently
verified the data obtained from these sources but has no reason to believe that
this data is incorrect in any material respect.
   
Notes to Portfolios
   (1) The Securities are initially represented by "regular way" contracts for
the performance of which an irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with
the Trustee. Contracts to acquire Securities were entered into on March 5, 1999
and have settlement dates ranging from March 9, 1999 to March 31, 1999 (see "The
Trusts").
   (2) The market value of each Security is based on the most recent closing
sale price on the applicable exchange on the day prior to the Initial Date of
Deposit. Other information regarding the Securities, as of the Initial Date of
Deposit, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Profit
                                                                     Cost to                         (Loss) To
                                                                     Sponsor                          Sponsor
                                                                 --------------                    -------------
<S>                                                              <C>                              <C>      
  The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust                                   $      149,691                   $      --
  The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust                                    $      150,082                   $      --
  Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust                              $      149,275                   $      --
  EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust                                      $      250,966                   $     (445)
  Euro Strategic 20 Trust                                        $      252,534                   $     (518)
</TABLE>
    
   (3)Current Dividend Yield for each Security is based on the estimated annual
dividends per share and the Security's market value as of the most recent close
of trading on the day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit. Estimated annual
dividends per share are calculated by annualizing the most recently declared
regular dividends or by adding the most recent regular interim and final
dividends declared and reflect any foreign withholding taxes.
<PAGE>
   The Securities. A brief description of each of the issuers of the Securities
is listed below. Please refer to each "Portfolio" for a list of the Securities
included in each Trust.
   
   Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. produces
industrial gas and related industrial process equipment. The company also
produces and markets polymer chemicals, performance chemicals, and chemical
intermediates. Air Products recovers and distributes oygen, nitrogen, argon,
hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, synthesis gas, and helium, as well as
medical and specialty gases.

   Australian Gas Light Company Limited. Australian Gas Light Company Limited
distributes, transports and sells natural gas and oil throughout Australasia.
The company primarily produces and sells petroleum products, constructs and
operates pipelines and retails/wholesales LPG. The company also owns and
operates an electricity distribution network covering the Melbourne area and
invests in gas industry companies.

   Autopistas, Concesionaria Espanola SA. Autopistas, Concesionaria Espanola SA
operates and maintains motorways in Spain. The company is the concessionaire for
the La Jonquera-Barcelona-Tarragona, Zaragoza-Mediterranean and
Montgat-Mataro-Malgrat-Palafolls motorways.

   BASF AG. BASF AG produces industrial and commercial raw materials and
finished products worldwide. The company explores and refines oil, operates gas
and oil distribution and storage facilities, as well as produces
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, drugs, vitamins and agricultural fertilizers and
crop protection agents. BASF also produces a variety of plastics, dyestuffs,
pigments and polymer products.

   Bayer AG. Bayer AG manufactures a variety of industrial chemicals and
polymers, as well as human and animal health care products, pharmaceuticals and
agricultural crop protection agents. The company also produces photographic and
imaging products and systems. Bayer markets its products to the automotive,
electronic, medical, construction, farming, textile, utility and printing
enterprises worldwide.

   Bell Atlantic Corporation. Bell Atlantic Corporation provides wireline voice
and data services, wireless services, and published directory information
throughout the Northeast and MidAtlantic regions. The company also has
operations and investments thoughout the world.

   Caterpillar, Inc. Caterpillar, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets
earthmoving and construction machines, as well as mining and agricultural
machinery. The company provides financing alternatives for its equipment.
Caterpillar's machines are distributed through 65 dealers in the United States
and 132 internationally. Machines are used for marine, agricultural, petroleum,
industrial, and other applications.

   Chevron Corporation. Chevron Corporation explores for, develops, and produces
crude oil and natural gas. The company also refines crude oil into finished
petroleum products, as well as markets and transports crude oil, natural gas,
and petroleum products. Chevron manufactures and markets a variety of chemicals
for industrial use and mines for coal. The company operates in the US and
approximately 90 countries.

   Cimenteries CBR Cementbedrijven. Cimenteries CBR Cementbedrijven produces
construction materials. The company quarries limestone, gravel, sand, clay and
shale and produces cement and readymixed concrete. Cimenteries CBR also
manufactures concrete pipe and block. The company operates in Belgium, China,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey, Canada
and the United States.

   CLP Holdings Limited. CLP Holdings Limited is an investment holding company
whose subsidiaries generate and supply electricity to Kowloon and the New
Territories in Hong Kong. The company also exports electric power to Guangdong
Province in the People's Republic of China. Its subsidiaries are involved in
property investment and development.

   Compagnie de Saint Gobain. Compagnie de Saint Gobain produces engineered
materials such as industrial ceramics, flat glass, insulation, abrasives, pipes,
fiber reinforcements, building materials and containers. The company was
nationalized in 1982 and was the first French company to be privatized in
December 1986. Saint-Gobain has operations in France and approximately 41 other
countries.

   Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours and Company. Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours and Company
operates in six industry segments which include chemicals, fibers, polymers,
petroleum, life sciences, and diversified businesses. The company, through its
subsidiaries, conducts fully integrated petroleum operations and produces
petroleum liquids. Du Pont and its subsidiaries operate in approximately 70
countries

   Eastman Kodak Company. Eastman Kodak Company develops, manufactures, and
markets consumer and commercial imaging products. The company's imaging systems
include films, photographic papers, processing services, photographic chemicals,
cameras, and projectors. Kodak also develops digital camera systems which do not
use silver halide film technology.

   Electrabel SA. Electrabel SA generates and sells electricity and distributes
natural gas in Belgium. The company distributes electricity to consumers and
industrial customers, distributes fuel to nuclear power stations and manages the
nuclear fuel cycle. Electrabel produces and distributes steam and drinking water
to customers and offers cable television services.

   Elsevier NV. Elsevier NV is a holding company with a 47.1% interest in Reed
Elsevier plc, an international publishing and information provider. Reed
Elsevier provides published information for scientific and medical sectors, as
well as for business and professionals and consumer groups.

   Exxon Corporation. Exxon Corporation explores for and produces crude oil and
natural gas; manufactures petroleum products; and transports and sells crude
oil, natural gas, and petroleum products. The company also manufactures and
markets basic petrochemicals, including olefins and aromatics, as well as
supplies specialty rubbers and additives for fuels and lubricants.

   Fiat SpA-PFD. Fiat SpA-PFD manufactures automobiles, commercial vehicles and
farm and construction equipment. The company produces automobiles under the
"Fiat," "Lancia," "Auto-Bianchi," "Alfa Romeo," "Innocenti," "Ferrari" and
"Maserati" brands as well as other vehicles such as tractors, combines,
bulldozers and excavators. Fiat sells its products around the world.

   Fiat SpA-RNC. Fiat SpA-RNC manufactures automobiles, commercial vehicles and
farm and construction equipment. The company produces automobiles under the
"Fiat," "Lancia," "Auto-Bianchi," "Alfa Romeo," "Innocenti," "Ferrari" and
"Maserati" brands as well as other vehicles such as tractors, combines,
bulldozers and excavators. Fiat sells its products around the world.

   General Mills, Inc. General Mills, Inc. manufactures and markets consumer
food products. The company's products include "Big G" cereals; "Betty Crocker"
dessert, side dish, and dinner mixes; snack products; "Gold Medal" flour; and
"Yoplait" and "Columbo" yogurts. General Mills sells its products around the
world.

   Genuine Parts Company. Genuine Parts Company distributes replacement
automobile and industrial parts and office products. The company operates 62
"NAPA" and three "Balkamp" automobile parts distribution centers in the United
States. Genuine's other products include industrial bearings, power transmission
equipment, material handling components, agricultural and irrigation equipment,
and office furniture.

   Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company manufactures
tires and rubber automotive parts. The company produces new and retread tires,
inner tubes, automotive belts and hoses, molded parts, and foam cushioning.
Goodyear sells its tires to automobile manufacturers and through retail stores
to the replacement market.

   H.J. Heinz Company. H.J. Heinz Company manufactures and markets food
products. The company produces ketchup, sauces, vinegar, pickles, canned tuna,
pet food, baby food, meat products, corn syrup, and other items. Heinz's
subsidiary, Weight Watchers International operates and franchises weight control
centers and licenses diet foods to other manufacturers. The company sells its
products internationally.

   Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited. Hong Kong and China Gas Company
Limited produces, distributes and markets gas and gas appliances to residential
and industrial customers. The company markets through "Towngas" brand name, for
domestic and commercial cooking and water heating as well as a heating fuel for
the industrial market. Its subsidiaries develop and manage commercial
properties, also develop gas projects in China.

   Hong Kong Telecommunications Limited. Hong Kong Telecommunications Limited
provides telecommunications, computer, engineering and other services. The
company also sells and rents telecommunications equipment. The principal
activities of the company are carried out mainly in Hong Kong.

   Imetal SA. Imetal SA manufactures and sells building materials and industrial
minerals and processes metals. The company produces clay roofing tiles, slate
and concrete components. Imetal is active throughout France and also has
operations through subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Spain, the Czech
Republic, China, Canada, South Africa, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands
and the United States.

   International Paper Company. International Paper Company manufactures
printing and writing paper, pulp, tissue, paperboard, packaging, and wood
products. The company also manufactures nonwoven papers, specialty chemicals,
and specialty panels and laminated products. International Paper sells its
products primarily in the United States, Europe, and the Pacific Rim.

   J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc. J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc. offers a variety of
financial services to businesses, governments, and individuals. The company
provides advice, raises capital, and trades financial instruments. J.P. Morgan
also manages investment assets for business enterprises, governments, financial
institutions, and private clients.

   Kesko Oyj. Kesko Oyj manufactures and exports goods through its foodstuffs,
agricultural and builder's supplies, specialty and home goods and logistics and
information systems. The company's retail development provides assistance in
launching and maintaining retail "K-Stores" throughout Finland.

   Lagardere S.C.A. Lagardere S.C.A. is a holding company with interests in the
publishing, distribution, audiovisual production and services,
aerospace/defense, telecommunications, automobile, transportation, multimedia
and banking sectors. The company's subsidiaries include Matra Hachette and
Grolier, Inc.

   Linde AG. Linde AG manufactures a variety of industrial and commercial
materials handling products and vehicles, as well as refrigeration and climate
control systems for food stores and various commercial and industrial
applications. The company also engineers and builds various plants and
production systems, as well as provides industry specific gases. Linde operates
and sells its products worldwide.

   Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy is a diversified
luxury goods conglomerate. It produces and sells champagne under the brands
"Moet & Chandon," "Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin" and "Pommery." LVMH also produces
cognac through "Hennessy" and "Hine." The company makes perfumes, cosmetics,
luggage, jewelry and haute couture through "Christian Dior" and "Loewe."

   May Department Stores Company. May Department Stores Company, through its
various chains of department stores, retails a variety of goods throughout the
United States. The company operates approimately 369 department stores in 30
states and the District of Columbia.

   Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing Company (3M) is a diversified manufacturer of industrial,
commercial, and health care products. The company produces and markets more than
50,000 products worldwide. 3M's products include "Post-it" Notes, "Flex"
circuits, "Scotchgard" fabric, film, and photo protectors, "Thinsulate"
insulation products and "Nexcare" bandages.

   Newell Company. Newell Company manufactures and markets consumer products
which are sold through a variety of retail and wholesale distribution channels.
The company's products include housewares, hardware, home furnishings, and
office products.

   PPG Industries, Inc. PPG Industries, Inc. supplies products for the
manufacturing, construction, automotive, chemical processing, and other
industries worldwide. The company makes protective and decorative coatings, flat
glass, fabricated glass products, continuous-strand fiber glass products, and
industrial and specialty chemicals.

   Philip Morris Companies, Inc. Philip Morris Companies, Inc., through its five
principal subsidiaries, produces and markets consumer packaged goods. The
company's products include "Bull'sEye" barbeque sauce, "Breakstone's" dairy
products, "Kraft" foods," "Marlboro" cigarettes, "Cracker Barrel" and "Polly-O"
cheeses, "Crystal Light" beverages, "Maxwell House" coffee, and "Miller" beer,
among others.

   Riunione Adriatica di Sicurta S.p.A. Riunione Adriatica di Sicurta S.p.A.
provides life, casualty, automobile, fire and health insurance and reinsurance
in Italy, other European countries, the United States and Latin America.

   Santos Limited. Santos Limited is an independent oil, gas and natural gas
liquid eploration and production company. The company conducts major onshore and
offshore petroleum activities in Australia (Cooper/Eromanga Basins), the United
States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The company also
transports crude oil by pipeline.

   Sara Lee Corporation. Sara Lee Corporation manufactures and markets
brand-name products for consumers throughout the world. The company has
operations in more than 40 countries and markets branded products in more than
140 countries. Sara Lee's products include "Sara Lee" food items, "Jimmy Dean"
packaged meats, "Coach" leatherware, "Hanes" clothing and hosiery, "L'eggs"
hosiery, and "Champion" activewear, among others.

   SEITA. SEITA manufactures cigarettes including Gauloises and Gitanes brands
as well as pipe and loose tobacco. The company distributes its own products and
its competitors' products. It also manufactures and markets cigars and matches.

   Sherwin-Williams Company. Sherwin-Williams Company manufactures, distributes,
and sells coatings and related products. The company's products are marketed
under the "Sherwin-Williams," "Dutch Boy," "Kem-Tone," and other brand names.
Sherwin-Williams's products are sold to professional, industrial, commercial,
and retail customers primarily in North and South America.

   Solvay SA. Solvay SA produces chemicals and chemical compounds for various
consumer industries. The company produces soda carbonate products, develops
hydrogen peroide chemicals for detergents and polypropylene compounds. Solvay
also produces pipes, fittings and corrugated sheets and pharmaceutical drugs for
gynecology and gastroenterology. The company's products are produced worldwide.

   TABCORP Holdings Limited. TABCORP Holdings Limited provides wagering and
gaming services and facilities in Victoria. The company's wagering division
sells totalizator bets on horse and greyhound racing and totalizator and fixed
odds bets on sporting events and are offered through a network of retail and
on-course outlets and by telephone. The gaming division owns and operates gaming
machines in Victorian hotels and clubs.

   (Technip) Compagnie Francaise d'Etudes et de Construction Technip. (Technip)
Compagnie Francaise d'Etudes et de Construction Technip designs and constructs
industrial facilities. The company designs and builds factories which produce
and process petroleum products, natural gas and chemicals and buildings for the
transportation and power generation industries. Technip operates in Europe, the
Americas, the Middle East, Russia and Malaysia.

   Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited. Telecom Corporation of New
Zealand Limited provides telecommunications services throughout New Zealand and
internationally, to both households and businesses. The company offers cellular
telephone, telephone directories, radio dispatch and paging services and
internet related services and solutions.

   VEBA AG. VEBA AG generates and distributes electricity, as well as provides
gas, district heating and water services to industrial, commercial and
residential customers in Germany. The company operates chemical plants, oil
refineries, gas storage and distribution facilities, as well as
telecommunications, real estate, trade, and transportation businesses. Veba
operates in Europe, North America and Asia.

   Zardoya Otis SA. Zardoya Otis SA manufactures, installs and services
elevators and elevator equipment. The company also exports manufactured elevator
equipment to be installed by Otis Elevator firms around the world.
    
<PAGE>
   
               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
      To the Board of Directors of Van Kampen Funds Inc. and the Unitholders of
   Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145:
      We have audited the accompanying statements of condition and the related
   portfolios of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145 as of March 8, 1999.
   The statements of condition and portfolios are the responsibility of the
   Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on such financial
   statements based on our audit.
      We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
   standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
   obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
   of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
   evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
   Our procedures included confirmation of an irrevocable letter of credit
   deposited to purchase securities by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit
   also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
   estimates made by the Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall financial
   statement presentation.
      We believe our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our
   opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
   material respects, the financial position of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios,
   Series 145 as of March 8, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted
   accounting principles.

                                                              GRANT THORNTON LLP
   Chicago,Illinois
   March 8, 1999
    
<TABLE>
   
                             STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
                               As of March 8, 1999
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               Strategic
                                                     The DowSM            The DowSM              Picks
                                                    Strategic 10         Strategic 5          Opportunity
INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES                               Trust                Trust                Trust
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>
                                                      --------             --------             --------
Contracts to purchase Securities (1)                  $149,691             $150,082             $149,275
                                                      --------             --------             --------
         Total                                        $149,691             $150,082             $149,275
                                                      ========             ========             ========

LIABILITIES AND INTEREST
     OF UNITHOLDERS
Liabilities--
     Organizational costs (2)                         $    228             $    212             $    327
     Deferred sales charge liability (3)                 2,646                2,653                2,940
Interest of Unitholders--
     Cost to investors (4)                             151,210              151,600              150,790
         and organizational costs (2)(4)(5)              4,393                4,383                4,782
                                                      --------             --------             --------
         Net interest to Unitholders (4)               146,817              147,217              146,008
                                                      --------             --------             --------
         Total                                        $149,691             $150,082             $149,275
                                                      ========             ========             ========
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)The value of the Securities is determined by Interactive Data Corporation on
   the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price". The contracts to
   purchase Securities are collateralized by separate irrevocable letters of
   credit which have been deposited with the Trustee.
(2)A portion of the Public Offering Price represents an amount sufficient to
   pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing a Trust. The
   amount of these costs are set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial
   Information". A distribution will be made as of the close of the initial
   offering period to an account maintained by the Trustee from which the
   organizational expense obligation of the investors will be satisfied.
(3)Represents the amount of mandatory distributions from a Trust on the bases
   set forth under "Public Offering".
(4)The aggregate public offering price and the aggregate sales charge are
   computed on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price".
(5)Assumes the maximum sales charge.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
   
                             STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
                               As of March 8, 1999
<CAPTION>
                                                           EAFESM          Euro
                                                        Strategic 20   Strategic 20
INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES                                    Trust         Trust
                                                          --------      --------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>     
Contracts to purchase Securities (1)                      $250,521      $252,016
                                                          --------      --------
         Total                                            $250,521      $252,016
                                                          ========      ========

LIABILITIES AND INTEREST
     OF UNITHOLDERS
Liabilities--
     Organizational costs (2)                             $      0      $      0
     Deferred sales charge liability (3)                     4,935         4,964
Interest of Unitholders--
     Cost to investors (4)                                 253,060       254,570
     Less: Gross underwriting commission
         and organizational costs (2)(4)(5)                  7,474         7,518
                                                          --------      --------
         Net interest to Unitholders (4)                   245,586       247,052
                                                          --------      --------
         Total                                            $250,521      $252,016
                                                          ========      ========
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)The value of the Securities is determined by Interactive Data Corporation on
   the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price". The contracts to
   purchase Securities are collateralized by separate irrevocable letters of
   credit which have been deposited with the Trustee.
(2)A portion of the Public Offering Price represents an amount sufficient to
   pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing a Trust. The
   amount of these costs are set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial
   Information". A distribution will be made as of the close of the initial
   offering period to an account maintained by the Trustee from which the
   organizational expense obligation of the investors will be satisfied.
(3)Represents the amount of mandatory distributions from a Trust on the bases
   set forth under "Public Offering".
(4)The aggregate public offering price and the aggregate sales charge are
   computed on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price".
(5)Assumes the maximum sales charge.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE TRUSTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The Trusts were created under the laws of the State of New York pursuant to a
Trust Indenture and Trust Agreement (the "Trust Agreement"), dated the date of
this Prospectus (the "Initial Date of Deposit"), among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as
Sponsor, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisor, The Bank of New
York, as Trustee, and American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van
Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator.
   The Trusts offer investors the opportunity to purchase Units representing
proportionate interests in portfolios of actively traded equity securities which
are components of major stock market indexes. A Trust may be an appropriate
medium for investors who desire to participate in a portfolio of stocks with
greater diversification than they might be able to acquire individually and who
are seeking to achieve a better performance than the related indexes through an
investment in the highest dividend yielding stocks of these indexes. An
investment in approximately equal values of such stocks each year has in most
instances provided a higher total return than investments in all of the stocks
which are components of the respective indexes.
   On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited delivery statements
relating to contracts for the purchase of the Securities and an irrevocable
letter of credit in the amount required for these purchases with the Trustee. In
exchange for these contracts the Trustee delivered to the Sponsor documentation
evidencing the ownership of Units of the Trusts. Unless otherwise terminated as
provided in the Trust Agreement, the Trusts will terminate on the Mandatory
Termination Date and any remaining Securities will be liquidated or distributed
by the Trustee within a reasonable time. As used in this Prospectus the term
"Securities" means the securities (including contracts to purchase these
securities) listed in "Portfolio" for each Trust and any additional securities
deposited into each Trust.
   Additional Units of a Trust may be issued at any time by depositing in
the Trust (i) additional Securities, (ii) contracts to purchase Securities
together with cash or irrevocable letters of credit or (iii) cash (or a letter
of credit) with instructions to purchase additional Securities. As additional
Units are issued by a Trust, the aggregate value of the Securities will be
increased and the fractional undivided interest represented by each Unit will be
decreased. The Sponsor may continue to make additional deposits into a Trust
following the Initial Date of Deposit provided that the additional deposits will
be in amounts which will maintain, as nearly as practicable, the same percentage
relationship among the number of shares of each Security in the Trust's
portfolio that existed immediately prior to the subsequent deposit. Investors
may experience a dilution of their investments and a reduction in their
anticipated income because of fluctuations in the prices of the Securities
between the time of the deposit and the purchase of the Securities and because
the Trusts will pay the associated brokerage or acquisition fees.
   Each Unit of a Trust initially offered represents an undivided interest in
that Trust. To the extent that any Units are redeemed by the Trustee or
additional Units are issued as a result of additional Securities being deposited
by the Sponsor, the fractional undivided interest in that Trust represented by
each unredeemed Unit will increase or decrease accordingly, although the actual
interest in the Trust will remain unchanged. Units will remain outstanding until
redeemed upon tender to the Trustee by Unitholders, which may include the
Sponsor, or until the termination of the Trust Agreement.
   Each Trust consists of (a) the Securities (including contracts for the
purchase thereof) listed under the applicable "Portfolio" as may continue to be
held from time to time in the Trust, (b) any additional Securities acquired and
held by the Trust pursuant to the provisions of the Trust Agreement and (c) any
cash held in the related Income and Capital Accounts. Neither the Sponsor nor
the Trustee shall be liable in any way for any failure in any of the Securities.

OBJECTIVES AND SECURITIES SELECTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The objective of each Trust is to provide an above average total return
through a combination of potential capital appreciation and dividend income,
consistent with the preservation of invested capital, by investing in a
portfolio of actively traded equity securities selected using the Trust's
investment strategy. We describe the investment strategy for each Trust in the
individual Trust sections beginning on page 4. There is no assurance that a
Trust will achieve its objective.
   The publishers of the indexes have not participated in any way in the
creation of the Trusts or in the selection of stocks included in the Trusts and
have not approved any information herein relating thereto. With the exception of
the Morgan Stanley Capital International Indexes, the publishers of these
indexes are not affiliated with the Sponsor.
   Each Trust portfolio is selected by implementing the Trust strategy as of the
close of business three business days prior to the Initial Date of Deposit (the
"Selection Time"). In the case of securities traded on a United States
securities exchange, the dividend yield is computed by annualizing the last
dividend declared and dividing the result by the market value at the Selection
Time. In the case of securities traded on a foreign securities exchange, the
dividend yield is computed by adding the most recent interim and final dividends
declared and dividing the result by the market value at the Selection Time.
   The Trusts seek to achieve better performance than the related indexes
through similar investment strategies. Investment in a number of companies
having high dividends relative to their stock prices or low price to book ratios
(because their stock prices may be undervalued) is designed to increase the
potential for higher returns over time. The Trust investment strategies are
designed to be implemented on an annual basis. Investors who hold Units through
Trust termination may have investment results that differ significantly from a
Unit investment that is reinvested into a new trust every twelve months.
   A balanced investment portfolio incorporates various style and capitalization
characteristics. The Sponsor offers unit trusts with a variety of styles and
capitalizations to meet your needs. The Sponsor determines style characteristics
(growth and value) based on the criteria used in selecting the Trust portfolio.
Generally, a growth portfolio includes companies in a growth phase of their
business with increasing earnings. A value portfolio generally includes
companies with low relative price-earnings ratios that the Sponsor believes are
undervalued. The Sponsor determines market capitalizations as follows based on
the weighted median market capitalization of a portfolio: Small-Cap -- less than
$1 billion; Mid-Cap -- $1 billion to $5 billion; and Large-Cap -- over $5
billion. The Sponsor determines all style and capitalization characteristics as
of the Initial Date of Deposit and the characteristics may vary thereafter. The
Sponsor will not remove a Security from a Trust as a result of any change in
characteristics.
   Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the Securities
for inclusion in the Trusts as of three business days prior to the Initial Date
of Deposit. Subsequent to this date, the Securities may no longer be included in
an index or meet the above criteria. Should a Security no longer be included in
these indexes or meet the selection criteria, the Security will not as a result
thereof be removed from its Trust portfolio.

RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Price Volatility. The Trusts invest in stocks of U.S. and foreign companies.
The value of Units will fluctuate with the value of these stocks and may be more
or less than the price you originally paid for your Units. The market value of
stocks sometimes moves up or down rapidly and unpredictably. Because the Trusts
are unmanaged, the Trustee will not sell stocks in response to market
fluctuations as is common in managed investments. In addition, because some
Trusts hold a relatively small number of stocks, you may encounter greater
market risk than in a more diversified investment. As with any investment, we
cannot guarantee that the performance of a Trust will be positive over any
period of time.
   Dividends. Stocks represent ownership interests in the issuers and are not
obligations of the issuers. Common stockholders have a right to receive
dividends only after the company has provided for payment of its creditors,
bondholders and preferred stockholders. Common stocks do not assure dividend
payments. Dividends are paid only when declared by an issuer's board of
directors and the amount of any dividend may vary over time.
   Foreign Stocks. Because certain Trusts invest in foreign stocks, these Trusts
involve additional risks that differ from an investment in domestic stocks.
These risks include the risk of losses due to future political and economic
developments, international trade conditions, foreign withholding taxes and
restrictions on foreign investments and exchange of securities. These Trusts
also involve the risk that fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S.
dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of the stocks.
These Trusts involve the risk that information about the stocks is not publicly
available or is inaccurate due to the absence of uniform accounting and
financial reporting standards. In addition, some foreign securities markets are
less liquid than U.S. markets. This could cause a Trust to buy stocks at a
higher price or sell stocks at a lower price than would be the case in a highly
liquid market. Foreign securities markets are often more volatile and involve
higher trading costs than U.S. markets, and foreign companies, securities
markets and brokers are also generally not subject to the same level of
supervision and regulation as in the U.S.
   Europe. The Euro Strategic 20 and EAFE Strategic 20 Trusts invest in stocks
principally traded in Europe. These Trusts involve additional risks that differ
from an investment in United States companies. In recent years, many European
countries have participated in the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)
seeking to develop a unified European economy. For this reason and others, many
European countries have experienced significant political, social and economic
change in recent years. Any negative consequences resulting from these changes
could affect the value of your Trust.
   On January 1, 1999, eleven EMU member countries introduced a new European
currency called the Euro. This may result in uncertainties for European
securities markets and operation of your Trust. This introduction requires the
redenomination of European debt and equity securities over a period of time.
This could result in various accounting differences and/or tax treatments that
otherwise would not likely occur. As part of the Euro conversion, participating
countries will no longer control their own monetary policies by directing
independent interest rates or currency transactions. Instead, a new European
Central Bank has authority to direct monetary policy, including money supply of
the national currencies of the participating countries to the Euro. Certain EMU
members, including the United Kingdom, are not implementing the Euro at this
time. This could raise additional questions and complications within European
markets. European markets could face significant difficulties if the Euro
introduction does not take place as planned. These difficulties could include
such things as severe currency fluctuations and market disruptions. No one can
predict whether all phases of the conversion will take place as scheduled or
whether future difficulties will occur. No one can predict the impact of the
conversion. All of these issues could have a negative impact on the value of
your Units.
   Pacific Region. The EAFE Strategic 20 Trust invests in stocks that
principally trade in Pacific region countries. This Trust involves additional
risks that differ from an investment in United States companies. Social,
political and economic instability has been significantly greater in Pacific
region countries than that typically associated with the United States and
Western European countries. Any instability could significantly disrupt Pacific
region markets and could adversely affect the value of Units. The MSCI Indexes
seek to focus on developed countries. Nonetheless, Pacific region countries are
in various stages of economic development. Some economies are substantially less
developed than the U.S. economy. Adverse conditions in these countries can
negatively impact the economies of countries in the region with more developed
markets.
   Many of these countries depend significantly on international trade. As a
result, protective trade barriers and the economic conditional of their trading
partners can hurt these economies. These countries may also be sensitive to
world commodity prices and vulnerable to recession in other countries. While
some Pacific region countries have experienced rapid growth, many countries have
immature financial sectors, economic problems or archaic legal systems. Pacific
region economies have experienced significant difficulties in recent years. Some
of these difficulties include substantial declines in the value of currencies,
gross domestic product and corporate earnings, political turmoil and stock
market volatility. In 1997, a significant drop in Thailand's currency set off a
wave of currency depreciations throughout South and Southeast Asia. Most of the
area's stock markets fell dramatically in reaction to these events. Consumer
demand in these countries has been weak due to a general reduction in global
growth. Interest rates and inflation have also increased in many of these
countries.
   
   Litigation. Philip Morris Companies, Inc. common stock represents a
significant portion of the value of the Dow Strategic 10 and Dow Strategic 5
Trusts. Pending legal proceedings against Philip Morris cover a wide range of
matters including product liability and consumer protection. Damages claimed in
many of the smoking and health cases alleging personal injury and in health cost
recovery cases brought by governments, unions and similar entities, seeking
reimbursement for health care expenditures, total many billions of dollars.
   In November 1998, certain companies in the U.S. tobacco industry, including
Philip Morris, entered into a negotiated settlement with several states that
would result in the resolution of significant litigation and regulatory issues
affecting the tobacco industry. The proposed settlement, while extremely costly
to the tobacco industry, would significantly reduce uncertainties facing the
industry and increase stability in business and capital markets. Future
litigation or legislation could adversely affect the value, operating revenues
and financial position of tobacco companies.
   No one can predict the outcome of the litigation pending against Philip
Morris or how the current uncertainty concerning regulatory and legislative
measures will ultimately be resolved. No one can predict the impact that these
and other possible developments will have on the price of Philip Morris stock or
any Trust.
    
   Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure. These two paragraphs constitute "Year 2000
Readiness Disclosure" within the meaning of the Year 2000 Information and
Readiness Disclosure Act of 1998. If computer systems used by the Sponsor,
Evaluator, Supervisor, Trustee or other service providers to the Trusts do not
properly process date-related information after December 31, 1999, the resulting
difficulties could adversely impact the Trusts. This is commonly known as the
"Year 2000 Problem". The Sponsor, Evaluator, Supervisor and Trustee are taking
steps to address this problem and to obtain reasonable assurances that other
service providers to the Trusts are taking comparable steps. We cannot guarantee
that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the Trusts.
This problem may impact corporations to varying degrees based on factors such as
industry sector and degree of technological sophistication. We cannot predict
what impact, if any, this problem will have on the issuers of the Securities.
   In addition, computer failures throughout the financial services
industry beginning January 1, 2000 could have a detrimental affect on the
markets for the Securities. Improperly functioning trading systems may result in
settlement problems and liquidity issues. Moreover, corporate and governmental
data processing errors may adversely affect issuers and overall economic
uncertainties. Remediation costs will affect the earnings of individual issuers.
These costs could be substantial. Issuers may report these costs inconsistently
in U.S. and foreign financial markets. All of these issues could adversely
affect the Securities and the Trusts.

PUBLIC OFFERING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   General. Units are offered at the Public Offering Price which includes
the underlying value of the Securities, the initial sales charge, and cash, if
any, in the Income and Capital Accounts. The "Fee Table" describes the sales
charges in detail. If any deferred sales charge payment date is not a business
day, we will charge the payment on the next business day. If you purchase Units
after the initial deferred sales charge payment, you will only pay that portion
of the payments not yet collected. A portion of the Public Offering Price
includes an amount of Securities to pay for all or a portion of the costs
incurred in establishing your Trust. These costs include the cost of preparing
documents relating to the Trust (such as the prospectus, trust agreement and
closing documents), federal and state registration fees, the initial fees and
expenses of the Trustee and legal and audit expenses. The initial offering
period sales charge is reduced as follows:

Aggregate Dollar Amount                    Sales Charge
of Units Purchased*                          Reduction
- ---------------------                     ----------------
   $50,000 - $99,999                          0.25%
 $100,000 - $149,999                          0.50
 $150,000 - $999,999                          0.85
  $1,000,000 or more                          1.75
- ---------------
*The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a Unit basis utilizing a
breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10 per Unit and will be applied on
whichever basis is more favorable to the investor.

   Any sales charge reduction is the responsibility of the selling broker,
dealer or agent. An investor may aggregate purchases of Units of the Trusts for
purposes of qualifying for volume purchase discounts listed above. The reduced
sales charge structure will also apply on all purchases by the same person from
any one dealer of units of Van Kampen-sponsored unit investment trusts which are
being offered in the initial offering period (a) on any one day (the "Initial
Purchase Date") or (b) on any day subsequent to the Initial Purchase Date if the
units purchased are of a unit investment trust purchased on the Initial Purchase
Date. In the event units of more than one trust are purchased on the Initial
Purchase Date, the aggregate dollar amount of such purchases will be used to
determine whether purchasers are eligible for a reduced sales charge. Such
aggregate dollar amount will be divided by the public offering price per unit of
each respective trust purchased to determine the total number of units which
such amount could have purchased of each individual trust. Purchasers must then
consult the applicable trust's prospectus to determine whether the total number
of units which could have been purchased of a specific trust would have
qualified for a reduced sales charge and the amount of such reduction. To
determine the applicable sales charge reduction it is necessary to accumulate
all purchases made on the Initial Purchase Date and all purchases made in
accordance with (b) above. Units purchased in the name of the spouse of a
purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser ("immediate family
members") will be deemed to be additional purchases by the purchaser for the
purposes of calculating the applicable sales charge. The reduced sales charges
will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities
for one or more trust estate or fiduciary accounts.
   Units may be purchased in the primary or secondary market at the Public
Offering Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to brokers and
dealers for purchases by (1) investors who purchase Units through registered
investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered broker-dealers
who in each case either charge periodic fees for financial planning, investment
advisory or asset management service, or provide such services in connection
with the establishment of an investment account for which a comprehensive "wrap
fee" charge is imposed, (2) bank trust departments investing funds over which
they exercise exclusive discretionary investment authority and that are held in
a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, (3) any person who for at
least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona fide employee of any firm
offering Units for sale to investors or their immediate family members (as
described above) and (4) officers and directors of bank holding companies that
make Units available directly or through subsidiaries or bank affiliates.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Prospectus, such investors,
bank trust departments, firm employees and bank holding company officers and
directors who purchase Units through this program will not receive sales charge
reductions for quantity purchases.
   During the initial offering period, unitholders of any Van Kampen-sponsored
unit investment trust may utilize their redemption or termination proceeds to
purchase Units of all Trusts at the Public Offering Price per Unit less 1%.
   During the initial offering period of the Trusts, unitholders of unaffiliated
unit investment trusts having an investment strategy similar to the investment
strategy of the Trusts may utilize proceeds received upon termination or upon
redemption immediately preceding termination of such unaffiliated trust to
purchase Units of a Trust at the Public Offering Price per Unit less 1%.
   Employees, officers and directors (including their spouses, children,
grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law,
sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the
benefit of such persons) of the Van Kampen Funds Inc. and its affiliates,
dealers and their affiliates and vendors providing services to the Sponsor may
purchase Units at the Public Offering Price less the applicable dealer
concession.
   The minimum purchase is 100 Units (25 Units for retirement accounts) but may
vary by selling firm. However, in connection with fully disclosed transactions
with the Sponsor, the minimum purchase requirement will be that number of Units
set forth in the contract between the Sponsor and the related broker or agent.
   Offering Price. The Public Offering Price of Units will vary from the amounts
stated under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in accordance with
fluctuations in the prices of the underlying Securities in the Trusts. The
initial price of the Securities was determined by Interactive Data Corporation,
a firm regularly engaged in the business of evaluating, quoting or appraising
comparable securities. The Evaluator will generally determine the value of the
Securities as of the Evaluation Time on each business day and will adjust the
Public Offering Price of Units accordingly. This Public Offering Price will be
effective for all orders received prior to the Evaluation Time on each business
day. The Evaluation Time is the close of the New York Stock Exchange on each
Trust business day. Orders received by the Trustee or Sponsor for purchases,
sales or redemptions after that time, or on a day which is not a business day,
will be held until the next determination of price. The term "business day", as
used herein and under "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units", excludes
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays observed by the New York Stock Exchange. The
term "business day" also excludes any day on which more than 33% of the
Securities are not traded on their principal trading exchange due to a customary
business holiday on that exchange.
   The aggregate underlying value of the Securities during the initial offering
period is determined on each business day by the Evaluator in the following
manner: If the Securities are listed on a national or foreign securities
exchange, this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on that
exchange (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis
for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange, at the
closing ask prices. If the Securities are not listed on a national or foreign
securities exchange or, if so listed and the principal market therefor is other
than on the exchange, the evaluation shall generally be based on the current ask
price on the over-the-counter market (unless it is determined that these prices
are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current ask prices are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of current
ask prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the value of the
Securities on the ask side of the market or (c) by any combination of the above.
The value of any foreign securities is based on the applicable currency exchange
rate as of the Evaluation Time. The value of the Securities for purposes of
secondary market transactions and redemptions is described under "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units".
   In offering the Units to the public, neither the Sponsor nor any
broker-dealers are recommending any of the individual Securities but rather the
entire pool of Securities in a Trust, taken as a whole, which are represented by
the Units.
   Unit Distribution. Units will be distributed to the public by the Sponsor,
broker-dealers and others at the Public Offering Price. Units repurchased in the
secondary market, if any, may be offered by this Prospectus at the secondary
market Public Offering Price in the manner described above.
   The Sponsor intends to qualify Units for sale in a number of states. Brokers,
dealers and others will be allowed a concession or agency commission in
connection with the distribution of Units during the initial offering period as
set forth in the following table. A portion of the concessions or agency
commissions represents amounts paid by the Sponsor out of its own assets as
additional compensation.

            Aggregate
        Dollar Amount of
         Units Purchased
   -------------------------
   Less than $50,000                               2.25%
   $50,000 - $99,999                               2.00
   $100,000 - $149,999                             1.75
   $150,000 - $999,999                             1.40
   $1,000,000 or more                              0.65
   In addition to the amounts above, during the initial offering period any firm
that distributes 500,000 - 999,999 Units of the Strategic Picks and Strategic 20
Trusts will receive additional compensation of $.0025 per Unit; any firm that
distributes 1,000,000 - 1,999,999 Units will receive additional compensation of
$.005 per Unit; any firm that distributes 2,000,000 - 2,999,999 Units will
receive additional compensation of $.01 per Unit; any firm that distributes
3,000,000 - 3,999,999 Units will receive additional compensation of $.015 per
Unit; any firm that distributes 4,000,000 - 4,999,999 Units will receive
additional compensation of $.02 per Unit; any firm that distributes 5,000,000
Units or more will receive additional compensation of $.025 per Unit. This
additional compensation will be paid by the Sponsor out of its own assets at the
end of the initial offering period.
   Any discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or
agent as indicated under "General" above. For transactions involving unitholders
of other unit investment trusts who use their redemption or termination proceeds
to purchase Units of the Trusts, the total concession or agency commission will
equal the following amounts (or such lesser amount resulting from discounts):
DowSM and Strategic Picks Trusts - 1.30% per Unit; and Strategic 20 Trusts -
1.25% per Unit. For all secondary market transactions the total concession or
agency commission will amount to 2.1% per Unit. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, in no case shall the total of any concessions, agency
commissions and any additional compensation allowed or paid to any broker,
dealer or other distributor of Units with respect to any individual transaction
exceed the total sales charge applicable to such transaction. The Sponsor
reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for the purchase of
Units and to change the amount of the concession or agency commission to dealers
and others from time to time. The breakpoint concessions or agency commissions
are also applied on a Unit basis utilizing a breakpoint equivalent of $10 per
Unit and will be applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the broker,
dealer or agent.
   Broker-dealers of the Trusts, banks and/or others may be eligible to
participate in a program in which such firms receive from the Sponsor a nominal
award for each of their representatives who have sold a minimum number of units
of unit investment trusts created by the Sponsor during a specified time period.
In addition, at various times the Sponsor may implement other programs under
which the sales forces of brokers, dealers, banks and/or others may be eligible
to win other nominal awards for certain sales efforts, or under which the
Sponsor will reallow to such brokers, dealers, banks and/or others that sponsor
sales contests or recognition programs conforming to criteria established by the
Sponsor, or participate in sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor, an amount
not exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by such
persons at the public offering price during such programs. Also, the Sponsor in
its discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective criteria established
by the Sponsor pay fees to qualifying entities for certain services or
activities which are primarily intended to result in sales of Units of the
Trusts. Such payments are made by the Sponsor out of its own assets, and not out
of the assets of any Trust. These programs will not change the price Unitholders
pay for their Units or the amount that a Trust will receive from the Units sold.
   Sponsor Compensation. The Sponsor will receive a gross sales commission equal
to the total sales charge applicable to each transaction. Any sales charge
discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or agent. In
addition, the Sponsor will realize a profit or loss as a result of the
difference between the price paid for the Securities by the Sponsor and the cost
of the Securities to each Trust on the Initial Date of Deposit as well as on
subsequent deposits. See "Notes to Portfolios". The Sponsor has not participated
as sole underwriter or as manager or as a member of the underwriting syndicates
or as an agent in a private placement for any of the Securities. The Sponsor may
realize profit or loss as a result of the possible fluctuations in the market
value of the Securities, since all proceeds received from purchasers of Units
are retained by the Sponsor. In maintaining a secondary market, the Sponsor will
realize profits or losses in the amount of any difference between the price at
which Units are purchased and the price at which Units are resold (which price
includes the applicable sales charge) or from a redemption of repurchased Units
at a price above or below the purchase price. Cash, if any, made available to
the Sponsor prior to the date of settlement for the purchase of Units may be
used in the Sponsor's business and may be deemed to be a benefit to the Sponsor,
subject to the limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
   An affiliate of the Sponsor may have participated in a public offering of one
or more of the Securities. The Sponsor, an affiliate or their employees may have
a long or short position in these Securities or related securities. An affiliate
may act as a specialist or market maker for these Securities. An officer,
director or employee of the Sponsor or an affiliate may be an officer or
director for issuers of the Securities.
   Market for Units. Although it is not obligated to do so, the Sponsor
currently intends to maintain a market for Units and to purchase Units at the
secondary market repurchase price (which is described under "Right of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units"). The Sponsor may discontinue purchases of
Units or discontinue purchases at this price at any time. The Sponsor intends to
maintain a secondary market for Units only during the first six months following
the Initial Date of Deposit. In the event that a secondary market is not
maintained, a Unitholder will be able to dispose of Units by tendering them to
the Trustee for redemption at the Redemption Price. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". Unitholders should contact their broker to
determine the best price for Units in the secondary market. Units sold prior to
the time the entire deferred sales charge has been collected will be assessed
the amount of any remaining deferred sales charge at the time of sale. The
Trustee will notify the Sponsor of any tendered of Units for redemption. If the
Sponsor's bid in the secondary market equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per
Unit, it may purchase the Units not later than the day on which Units would have
been redeemed by the Trustee. The Sponsor may sell repurchased Units at the
secondary market Public Offering Price per Unit.
   Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans. Units are available for purchase in
connection with certain types of tax-sheltered retirement plans, including
Individual Retirement Accounts for the individuals, Simplified Employee Pension
Plans for employees, qualified plans for self-employed individuals, and
qualified corporate pension and profit sharing plans for employees. The minimum
purchase for these accounts is reduced to 25 Units but may vary by selling firm.
The purchase of Units may be limited by the plans' provisions and does not
itself establish such plans.

RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Distributions. Dividends and any net proceeds from the sale of Securities
received by a Trust will generally be distributed to Unitholders on each
Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the preceding Record Date. These
dates appear under "Summary of Essential Financial Information". A person
becomes a Unitholder of record on the date of settlement (generally three
business days after Units are ordered). Unitholders may elect to receive
distributions in cash or to have distributions reinvested into additional Units.
Distributions may also be reinvested into Van Kampen mutual funds. See "Rights
of Unitholders--Reinvestment Option".
   Dividends received by a Trust are credited to the Income Account of the
Trust. Other receipts (e.g., capital gains, proceeds from the sale of
Securities, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account. Proceeds received on the
sale of any Securities, to the extent not used to meet redemptions of Units or
pay deferred sales charges, fees or expenses, will be distributed to
Unitholders. Proceeds received from the disposition of any Securities after a
record date and prior to the following distribution date will be held in the
Capital Account and not distributed until the next distribution date. Any
distribution to Unitholders consists of each Unitholder's pro rata share of the
available cash in the Income and Capital Accounts as of the related Record Date.
   Reinvestment Option. Unitholders may have distributions automatically
reinvested in additional Units under the Automatic Reinvestment Option (to the
extent Units may be lawfully offered for sale in the state in which the
Unitholder resides) through two options. Brokers and dealers can use the
Dividend Reinvestment Service through Depository Trust Company or purchase the
Automatic Reinvestment Option CUSIP, if available. Unitholders will be subject
to the remaining deferred sales charge payments due on Units. To participate in
this reinvestment option, a Unitholder must file with the Trustee a written
notice of election, together with any certificate representing Units and other
documentation that the Trustee may then require, at least five days prior to the
related Record Date. A Unitholder's election will apply to all Units owned by
the Unitholder and will remain in effect until changed by the Unitholder. If
Units are unavailable for reinvestment, distributions will be paid in cash.
Purchases of additional Units made pursuant to the reinvestment plan will be
made at the net asset value for Units as of the Evaluation Time on the
Distribution Date.
   In addition, under the Guaranteed Reinvestment Option Unitholders may elect
to have distributions automatically reinvested in certain Van Kampen mutual
funds (the "Reinvestment Funds"). Each Reinvestment Fund has investment
objectives which differ from those of the Trusts. The prospectus relating to
each Reinvestment Fund describes its investment policies and how to begin
reinvestment. A Unitholder may obtain a prospectus for the Reinvestment Funds
from the Sponsor. Purchases of shares of a Reinvestment Fund will be made at a
net asset value computed on the Distribution Date. Unitholders with an existing
Guaranteed Reinvestment Option account (whereby a sales charge is imposed on
distribution reinvestments) may transfer their existing account into a new
account which allows purchases of Reinvestment Fund shares at net asset value.
   A participant may elect to terminate his or her reinvestment plan and receive
future distributions in cash by notifying the Trustee in writing no later than
five days before a distribution date. The Sponsor, each Reinvestment Fund, and
its investment adviser shall have the right to suspend or terminate these
reinvestment plans at any time.
   Redemption of Units. A Unitholder may redeem all or a portion of his Units by
tender to the Trustee at its Unit Investment Trust Division, 101 Barclay Street,
20th Floor, New York, New York 10286. Certificates must be tendered to the
Trustee, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with
signature guaranteed (or by providing satisfactory indemnity in connection with
lost, stolen or destroyed certificates) and by payment of applicable
governmental charges, if any. On the seventh day following the tender, the
Unitholder will be entitled to receive in cash an amount for each Unit equal to
the Redemption Price per Unit next computed on the date of tender. The "date of
tender" is deemed to be the date on which Units are received by the Trustee,
except that with respect to Units received by the Trustee after the Evaluation
Time or on a day which is not a Trust business day, the date of tender is deemed
to be the next business day.
   Unitholders tendering 1,000 or more Units of a Trust for redemption may
request an in kind distribution of Securities equal to the Redemption Price per
Unit on the date of tender. The Trusts generally do not offer in kind
distributions of portfolio securities that are held in foreign markets. An in
kind distribution will be made by the Trustee through the distribution of each
of the Securities in book-entry form to the account of the Unitholder's
broker-dealer at Depository Trust Company. Amounts representing fractional
shares will be distributed in cash. The Trustee may adjust the number of shares
of any Security included in a Unitholder's in kind distribution to facilitate
the distribution of whole shares.
   The Trustee may sell Securities to satisfy Unit redemptions. To the extent
that Securities are redeemed in kind or sold, the size of a Trust will be, and
the diversity of a Trust may be, reduced. Sales may be required at a time when
Securities would not otherwise be sold and may result in lower prices than might
otherwise be realized. The price received upon redemption may be more or less
than the amount paid by the Unitholder depending on the value of the Securities
at the time of redemption. Special federal income tax consequences will result
if a Unitholder requests an in kind distribution. See "Taxation".
   The Redemption Price per Unit and the secondary market repurchase price per
Unit are equal to the pro rata share of each Unit in each Trust determined on
the basis of (i) the cash on hand in the Trust, (ii) the value of the Securities
in the Trust and (iii) dividends receivable on the Securities in the Trust
trading ex-dividend as of the date of computation, less (a) amounts representing
taxes or other governmental charges payable out of the Trust, (b) the accrued
expenses of the Trust and (c) any unpaid deferred sales charge payments. During
the initial offering period, the redemption price and the secondary market
repurchase price will include estimated organizational and offering costs. For
these purposes, the Evaluator may determine the value of the Securities in the
following manner: If the Securities are listed on a national or foreign
securities exchange, this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale
prices on that exchange (unless it is determined that these prices are
inappropriate as a basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on
that exchange, at the closing bid prices. If the Securities are not so listed
or, if so listed and the principal market therefor is other than on the
exchange, the evaluation may be based on the current bid price on the
over-the-counter market. If current bid prices are unavailable or inappropriate,
the evaluation may be determined (a) on the basis of current bid prices for
comparable securities, (b) by appraising the Securities on the bid side of the
market or (c) by any combination of the above. The value of any foreign
securities is based on the applicable currency exchange rate as of the
Evaluation Time.
   The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any period
during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than for customary
weekend and holiday closings, or any period during which the SEC determines that
trading on that Exchange is restricted or an emergency exists, as a result of
which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably practicable, or
for other periods as the SEC may permit.
   Special Redemption and Rollover. We currently intend to offer a subsequent
series of each Trust for a Rollover when the Trusts terminate.
   On the Mandatory Termination Date you will have the option to (1) participate
in the Rollover and have your Units reinvested into a subsequent trust series,
(2) receive an in kind distribution of Securities (if applicable) or (3) receive
a cash distribution.
   If you elect to participate in the Rollover, your Units will be redeemed on
the Mandatory Termination Date. As the redemption proceeds become available, the
proceeds (including dividends) will be invested in a new trust series at the
public offering price for the new trust. The Trustee will attempt to sell
Securities to satisfy the redemption as quickly as practicable on the Mandatory
Termination Date. We do not anticipate that the sale period will be longer than
one day, however, certain factors could affect the ability to sell the
Securities and could impact the length of the sale period. The liquidity of any
Security depends on the daily trading volume of the Security and the amount
available for redemption and reinvestment on any day.
   We intend to make subsequent trust series available for sale at various times
during the year. Of course, we cannot guarantee that a subsequent trust or
sufficient units will be available or that any subsequent trusts will offer the
same investment strategies or objectives as the current Trusts. We cannot
guarantee that a Rollover will avoid any negative market price consequences
resulting from trading large volumes of securities. Market price trends may make
it advantageous to sell or buy securities more quickly or more slowly than
permitted by the Trust procedures. We may, in our sole discretion, modify a
Rollover or stop creating units of a trust at any time regardless of whether all
proceeds of Unitholders have been reinvested in a Rollover. If we decide not to
offer a subsequent series, Unitholders will be notified prior to the Mandatory
Termination Date. Cash which has not been reinvested in a Rollover will be
distributed to Unitholders shortly after the Mandatory Termination Date.
Rollover participants may receive taxable dividends or realize taxable capital
gains which are reinvested in connection with a Rollover but may not be entitled
to a deduction for capital losses due to the "wash sale" tax rules. Due to the
reinvestment in a subsequent trust, no cash will be distributed to pay any
taxes. See "Taxation".
   Certificates. Ownership of Units is evidenced in book-entry form unless a
Unitholder makes a written request to the Trustee that ownership be in
certificate form. Units are transferable by making a written request to the
Trustee and, in the case of Units in certificate form, by presentation of the
certificate to the Trustee properly endorsed or accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unitholder must sign the written
request, and certificate or transfer instrument, exactly as his name appears on
the records of the Trustee and on the face of any certificate with the signature
guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program
("STAMP") or a signature guarantee program accepted by the Trustee. In certain
instances the Trustee may require additional documents such as, but not limited
to, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or
administrator or certificates of corporate authority. Fractional certificates
will not be issued. The Trustee may require a Unitholder to pay a reasonable fee
for each certificate reissued or transferred and to pay any governmental charge
that may be imposed in connection with each transfer or interchange. Destroyed,
stolen, mutilated or lost certificates will be replaced upon delivery to the
Trustee of satisfactory indemnity, evidence of ownership and payment of expenses
incurred. Mutilated certificates must be surrendered to the Trustee for
replacement.
   Reports Provided. Unitholders will receive a statement of dividends and
other amounts received by a Trust for each distribution. Within a reasonable
time after the end of each year, each person who was a Unitholder during that
year will receive a statement describing dividends and capital received, actual
Trust distributions, Trust expenses, a list of the Securities and other Trust
information. Unitholders may obtain the Evaluator's evaluations of the
Securities upon request.

TRUST ADMINISTRATION
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   Portfolio Administration. The Trusts are not managed funds and, except as
provided in the Trust Agreement, Securities generally will not be sold or
replaced. The Sponsor may, however, direct that Securities be sold in certain
limited circumstances to protect the Trust based on advice from the Supervisor.
These situations may include events such as the issuer having defaulted on
payment of any of its outstanding obligations or the price of a Security has
declined to such an extent or other credit factors exist so that in the opinion
of the Sponsor retention of the Security would be detrimental to the Trust. In
addition, the Trustee may sell Securities to redeem Units or pay Trust expenses
or deferred sales charges. The Trustee must reject any offer for securities or
property in exchange for the Securities. If securities or property are
nonetheless acquired by a Trust, the Sponsor may direct the Trustee to sell the
securities or property and distribute the proceeds to Unitholders or to accept
the securities or property for deposit in the Trust. Should any contract for the
purchase of any of the Securities fail, the Sponsor will (unless substantially
all of the moneys held in the Trust to cover the purchase are reinvested in
substitute Securities in accordance with the Trust Agreement) refund the cash
and sales charge attributable to the failed contract to all Unitholders on or
before the next distribution date.
   When your Trust sells Securities, the composition and diversity of the
Securities in the Trust may be altered. In order to obtain the best price for a
Trust, it may be necessary for the Supervisor to specify minimum amounts
(generally 100 shares) in which blocks of Securities are to be sold. In
effecting purchases and sales of a Trust's portfolio securities, the Sponsor may
direct that orders be placed with and brokerage commissions be paid to brokers,
including brokers which may be affiliated with the Trusts, the Sponsor or
dealers participating in the offering of Units. In addition, in selecting among
firms to handle a particular transaction, the Sponsor may take into account
whether the firm has sold or is selling units of unit investment trusts which is
sponsors.
   Pursuant to an exemptive order, each terminating Trust is permitted to sell
Securities to a new trust series if those Securities meet the investment
strategy of the new trust. The exemption enables each Trust to eliminate
commission costs on these transactions. The price for those securities will be
the closing sale price on the sale date on the exchange where the Securities are
principally traded, as certified by the Sponsor.
   Amendment of the Trust Agreement. The Trustee and the Sponsor may amend the
Trust Agreement without the consent of Unitholders to correct any provision
which may be defective or to make other provisions that will not adversely
affect Unitholders (as determined in good faith by the Sponsor and the Trustee).
The Trust Agreement may not be amended to increase the number of Units or permit
acquisition of securities in addition to or substitution for the Securities
(except as provided in the Trust Agreement). The Trustee will notify Unitholders
of any amendment.
   Termination. Each Trust will terminate on the Mandatory Termination Date or
upon the sale or other disposition of the last Security held in the Trust. A
Trust may be terminated at any time with consent of Unitholders representing
two-thirds of the outstanding Units or by the Trustee when the value of the
Trust is less than $500,000 ($3,000,000 if the value of the Trust has exceeded
$15,000,000) (the "Minimum Termination Value"). Unitholders will be notified of
any termination. The Trustee may begin to sell Securities in connection with a
Trust termination nine business days before, and no later than, the Mandatory
Termination Date. Approximately thirty days before this date, the Trustee will
notify Unitholders of the termination and provide a form enabling qualified
Unitholders to elect an in kind distribution of Securities. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". This form must be returned at least five
business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. Unitholders will receive
a final cash distribution within a reasonable time after the Mandatory
Termination Date (unless the Unitholder has elected an in kind distribution or
is a participant in the final Rollover). All distributions will be net of Trust
expenses and costs. Unitholders will receive a final distribution statement
following termination. The Information Supplement contains further information
regarding termination of the Trusts. See "Additional Information".
   Limitations on Liabilities. The Sponsor, Evaluator, Supervisor and Trustee
are under no liability for taking any action or for refraining from taking any
action in good faith pursuant to the Trust Agreement, or for errors in judgment,
but shall be liable only for their own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence (negligence in the case of the Trustee) in the performance of their
duties or by reason of their reckless disregard of their obligations and duties
hereunder. The Trustee is not be liable for depreciation or loss incurred by
reason of the sale by the Trustee of any of the Securities. In the event of the
failure of the Sponsor to act under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee may act
thereunder and is not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under
the Trust Agreement. The Trustee is not liable for any taxes or other
governmental charges imposed on the Securities, on it as Trustee under the Trust
Agreement or on a Trust which the Trustee may be required to pay under any
present or future law of the United States of America or of any other taxing
authority having jurisdiction. In addition, the Trust Agreement contains other
customary provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee. The Trustee, Sponsor
and Supervisor may rely on any evaluation furnished by the Evaluator and have no
responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator shall
be made in good faith upon the basis of the best information available to it.
   Sponsor. Van Kampen Funds Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the Sponsor
of the Trust. The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co. Van Kampen Funds Inc. specializes in the underwriting and
distribution of unit investment trusts and mutual funds with roots in money
management dating back to 1926. The Sponsor is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and has offices at One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, (630) 684-6000 and 2800 Post Oak Boulevard,
Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 993-0500. As of November 30, 1998, the total
stockholders' equity of Van Kampen Funds Inc. was $135,236,000 (audited). The
Information Supplement contains additional information about the Sponsor.
   If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the Trust
Agreement or become incapable of acting or shall become bankrupt or its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (i) appoint a
successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the Trustee to be
reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) terminate the Trust Agreement and liquidate the Trusts as
provided therein or (iii) continue to act as Trustee without terminating the
Trust Agreement.
   Trustee. The Trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized under
the laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its unit investment trust
division offices at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286 (800) 221-7668.
The Bank of New York is subject to supervision and examination by the
Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York and the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation to the extent permitted by law. Additional information
regarding the Trustee is set forth in the Information Supplement, including the
Trustee's qualifications and duties, its ability to resign, the effect of a
merger involving the Trustee and the Sponsor's ability to remove and replace the
Trustee. See "Additional Information".
   Performance Information. The Sponsor may from time to time in its
advertising and sales materials compare the then current estimated returns on
the Trusts and returns over specified time periods on other similar Van Kampen
trusts or investment strategies utilized by the Trusts (which may show
performance net of expenses and charges which the Trusts would have charged)
with returns on other taxable investments such as the common stocks comprising
the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, other investment indices,
corporate or U.S. government bonds, bank CDs, money market accounts or money
market funds, or with performance data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.,
Morningstar Publications, Inc. or various publications, each of which has
characteristics that may differ from those of the Trusts. Information on
percentage changes in the dollar value of Units may be included from time to
time in advertisements, sales literature, reports and other information
furnished to current or prospective Unitholders. Total return figures may not be
averaged and may not reflect deduction of the sales charge, which would decrease
return. No provision is made for any income taxes payable. Past performance may
not be indicative of future results. The Trust portfolios are not managed and
Unit price and return fluctuate with the value of common stocks in the
portfolios, so there may be a gain or loss when Units are sold. As with other
performance data, performance comparisons should not be considered
representative of the Trust's relative performance for any future period.

TAXATION
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   General. The following is a general discussion of certain of the federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Units.
The summary is limited to investors who hold the Units as capital assets
(generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Unitholders should
consult their tax advisers in determining the federal, state, local and any
other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Units in a
Trust.
   For purposes of the following discussion and opinions, it is assumed that
each Security is equity for federal income tax purposes. In the opinion of
Chapman and Cutler, special counsel for the Sponsor, under existing law:
   1. Each Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes; each Unitholder will be treated as the owner of a pro rata
portion of each of the assets of a Trust under the Code; and the income of each
Trust will be treated as income of the Unitholders thereof under the Code. Each
Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata share of income
derived from each Security when such income is considered to be received by a
Trust.
   2. A Unitholder will be considered to have received all of the dividends paid
on his pro rata portion of each Security when such dividends are considered to
be received by a Trust regardless of whether such dividends are used to pay a
portion of any deferred sales charge imposed. Unitholders will be taxed in this
manner regardless of whether distributions from a Trust are actually received by
the Unitholder or are automatically reinvested (see "Rights of
Unitholders--Reinvestment Option").
   3. Each Unitholder will have a taxable event when a Trust disposes of a
Security (whether by sale, exchange, liquidation, redemption, or otherwise) or
upon the sale or redemption of Units by such Unitholder (except to the extent an
in kind distribution of stock is received by such Unitholder from a Trust as
described below). The price a Unitholder pays for his Units, generally including
sales charges, is allocated among his pro rata portion of each Security held by
a Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the valuation date
closest to the date the Unitholder purchases his Units) in order to determine
his initial tax basis for his pro rata portion of each Security held by a Trust.
Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to the calculation
of basis. For federal income tax purposes, a Unitholder's pro rata portion of
the dividends, as defined by Section 316 of the Code, paid by a corporation with
respect to a Security held by a Trust is taxable as ordinary income to the
extent of such corporation's current and accumulated "earnings and profits". A
Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends paid on such Security which exceed
such current and accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce a
Unitholder's tax basis in such Security, and to the extent that such dividends
exceed a Unitholder's tax basis in such Security shall generally be treated as
capital gain. In general, the holding period for such capital gain will be
determined by the period of time a Unitholder has held his Units.
   4. A Unitholder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or redemption of
Units or the disposition of Securities held by a Trust will generally be
considered a capital gain (except in the case of a dealer or a financial
institution). A Unitholder's portion of loss, if any, upon the sale or
redemption of Units or the disposition of Securities held by a Trust will
generally be considered a capital loss (except in the case of a dealer or a
financial institution). In particular, a Rollover Unitholder should be aware
that a Rollover Unitholder's loss, if any, incurred in connection with the
exchange of Units for units in the next new series of the Trusts (the "New
Fund") will generally be disallowed with respect to the disposition of any
Securities pursuant to such exchange to the extent that such Unitholder is
considered the owner of substantially identical securities under the wash sale
provisions of the Code taking into account such Unitholder's deemed ownership of
the securities underlying the Units in the New Fund in the manner described
above, if such substantially identical securities were acquired within a period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such disposition. However, any
gains incurred in connection with such an exchange by a Rollover Unitholder
would be recognized. Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the
recognition of gains and losses for federal income tax purposes.
   Deferred Sales Charge. Generally, the tax basis of a Unitholder includes
sales charges, and such charges are not deductible. A portion of the sales
charge for the Trusts is deferred. The income (or proceeds from redemption) a
Unitholder must take into account for federal income tax purposes is not reduced
by amounts deducted to pay the deferred sales charge. Unitholders should consult
their own tax advisers as to the income tax consequences of any deferred sales
charge imposed.
   Dividends Received Deduction. A corporation that owns Units will generally be
entitled to a 70% dividends received deduction with respect to such Unitholder's
pro rata portion of dividends received by a Trust (to the extent such dividends
are taxable as ordinary income, as discussed above, and are attributable to
domestic corporations) in the same manner as if such corporation directly owned
the Securities paying such dividends (other than corporate Unitholders, such as
"S" corporations, which are not eligible for the deduction because of their
special characteristics and other than for purposes of special taxes such as the
accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding corporation tax). However, a
corporation owning Units should be aware that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code
impose additional limitations on the eligibility of dividends for the 70%
dividends received deduction. These limitations include a requirement that stock
(and therefore Units) must generally be held at least 46 days (as determined
under Section 246(c) of the Code). Final regulations have been issued which
address special rules that must be considered in determining whether the 46 day
holding period requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of the
deduction will be reduced from 70% if a corporate Unitholder owns certain stock
(or Units) the financing of which is directly attributable to indebtedness
incurred by such corporation. Unitholders should consult with their tax advisers
with respect to the limitations on and possible modifications to the dividends
received deduction.
   To the extent dividends received by a Trust are attributable to foreign
corporations, a corporation that owns Units will not be entitled to the
dividends received deduction with respect to its pro rata portion of such
dividends, since the dividends received deduction is generally available only
with respect to dividends paid by domestic corporations.
   Limitations on Deductibility of Trust Expenses by Unitholders. Each
Unitholder's pro rata share of each expense paid by a Trust is deductible by the
Unitholder to the same extent as though the expense had been paid directly by
him. It should be noted that as a result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, certain
miscellaneous itemized deductions, such as investment expenses, tax return
preparation fees and employee business expenses will be deductible by an
individual only to the extent they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted gross
income. Unitholders may be required to treat some or all of the expenses of a
Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation.
   Recognition of Taxable Gain or Loss Upon Disposition of Securities by a
Trust or Disposition of Units. As discussed above, a Unitholder may recognize
taxable gain (or loss) when a Security is disposed of by a Trust or if the
Unitholder disposes of a Unit (although losses incurred by Rollover Unitholders
may be subject to disallowance, as discussed above). The Internal Revenue
Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (the "1998 Tax Act") provides that
for taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gain (which is defined as net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss for the taxable year)
realized from property (with certain exclusions) is subject to a maximum
marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of certain taxpayers in the
lowest tax bracket). Capital gain or loss is long-term if the holding period for
the asset is more than one year, and is short-term if the holding period for the
asset is one year or less. The date on which a Unit is acquired (i.e., the
"trade date") is excluded for purposes for determining the holding period of the
Unit. Capital gains realized from assets held for one year or less are taxed at
the same rates as ordinary income.
   In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered into
after April 30, 1993. Unitholders and prospective investors should consult with
their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this provision on their
investment in Units.
   If a Unitholder disposes of a Unit he is deemed thereby to have disposed of
his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the Trust involved including his
pro rata portion of all Securities represented by a Unit. The Taxpayer Relief
Act of 1997 (the "1997 Tax Act") includes provisions that treat certain
transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of loss and opportunities for
gain (e.g., short sales, offsetting national principal contracts, futures or
forward contracts, or similar transactions) as constructive sales for purposes
of recognition of gain (but not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to
any such constructive sales rules.
   Special Tax Consequences of In Kind Distributions Upon Redemption of Units or
Termination of a Trust. As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of
Units," under certain circumstances a Unitholder tendering Units for redemption
may request an in kind distribution of certain Securities in a Trust. A
Unitholder may also under certain circumstances request an in kind distribution
of certain Securities in a Trust upon the termination of such Trust. A
Unitholder will receive cash representing his pro rata portion of the foreign
Securities in a Trust. See "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". The
Unitholder requesting an in kind distribution will be liable for expenses
related thereto (the "Distribution Expenses") and the amount of such in kind
distribution will be reduced by the amount of the Distribution Expenses. See
"Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". As previously discussed, prior to
the redemption of Units or the termination of a Trust, a Unitholder is
considered as owning a pro rata portion of each of such Trust's assets for
federal income tax purposes. The receipt of an in kind distribution will result
in a Unitholder receiving an undivided interest in whole shares of stock plus,
possibly, cash.
   The potential tax consequences that may occur under an in kind distribution
with respect to each Security owned by a Trust will depend on whether or not a
Unitholder receives cash in addition to Securities. A "Security" for this
purpose is a particular class of stock issued by a particular corporation. A
Unitholder will not recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder only receives
Securities in exchange for his or her pro rata portion in the Securities held by
a Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash in exchange for a
fractional share of a Security or for a foreign Security held by a Trust, such
Unitholder will generally recognize gain or loss based upon the difference
between the amount of cash received by the Unitholder and his tax basis in such
fractional share of a Security or such foreign Security held by such Trust.
   Because each Trust will own many Securities, a Unitholder who requests an in
kind distribution will have to analyze the tax consequences with respect to each
Security owned by such Trust. The amount of taxable gain (or loss) recognized
upon such exchange will generally equal the sum of the gain (or loss) recognized
under the rules described above by such Unitholder with respect to each Security
owned by such Trust. Unitholders who request an in kind distribution are advised
to consult their tax advisers in this regard.
   Rollover Unitholders. As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Special
Redemption and Rollover," a Unitholder may elect to become a Rollover
Unitholder. To the extent a Rollover Unitholder exchanges his Units for Units of
the New Fund in a taxable transaction, such Unitholder will recognize gains, if
any, but generally will not be entitled to a deduction for any losses recognized
upon the disposition of any Securities pursuant to such exchange to the extent
that such Unitholder is considered the owner of substantially identical
securities under the wash sale provisions of the Code taking into account such
Unitholder's deemed ownership of the securities underlying the Units in the New
Fund in the manner described above, if such substantially identical securities
were acquired within a period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after
such disposition under the wash sale provisions contained in Section 1091 of the
Code. In the event a loss is disallowed under the wash sale provisions, special
rules contained in Section 1091(d) of the Code apply to determine the
Unitholder's tax basis in the securities acquired. Rollover Unitholders are
advised to consult their tax advisers.
   Computation of the Unitholder's Tax Basis.
Initially, a Unitholder's tax basis in his Units will generally equal the price
paid by such Unitholder for his Units. The cost of the Units is allocated among
the Securities held in a Trust in accordance with the proportion of the fair
market values of such Securities on the valuation date nearest the date the
Units are purchased in order to determine such Unitholder's tax basis for his
pro rata portion of each Security.
   A Unitholder's tax basis in his Units and his pro rata portion of a Security
held by a Trust will be reduced to the extent dividends paid with respect to
such Security are received by the Trust which are not taxable as ordinary income
as described above.
   Other Matters. Each Unitholder will be requested to provide the Unitholder's
taxpayer identification number to the Trustee and to certify that the Unitholder
has not been notified that payments to the Unitholder are subject to back-up
withholding. If the proper taxpayer identification number and appropriate
certification are not provided when requested, distributions by a Trust to such
Unitholder (including amounts received upon the redemption of Units) will be
subject to back-up withholding. Distributions by a Trust (other than those that
are not treated as United States source income, if any) will generally be
subject to United States income taxation and withholding in the case of Units
held by non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or other non-United
States persons. Such persons should consult their tax advisers.
   In general, income that is not effectively connected to the conduct of a
trade or business within the United States that is earned by non-U.S.
Unitholders and derived from dividends of foreign corporations will not be
subject to U.S. withholding tax provided that less than 25 percent of the gross
income of the foreign corporation for a three-year period ending with the close
of its taxable year preceding payment was not effectively connected to the
conduct of a trade or business within the United States. In addition, such
earnings may be exempt from U.S. withholding pursuant to a specific treaty
between the United States and a foreign country. Non-U.S. Unitholders should
consult their own tax advisers regarding the imposition of U.S. withholding on
distributions from a Trust.
   It should be noted that payments to the Trusts of dividends on Securities
that are attributable to foreign corporations may be subject to foreign
withholding taxes and Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding
the potential tax consequences relating to the payment of any such withholding
taxes by the Trusts. Any dividends withheld as a result thereof will
nevertheless be treated as income to the Unitholders. Because, under the grantor
trust rules, an investor is deemed to have paid directly his share of foreign
taxes that have been paid or accrued, if any, an investor may be entitled to a
foreign tax credit or deduction for United States tax purposes with respect to
such taxes. The 1997 Tax Act imposes a required holding period for such credits.
Investors should consult their tax advisers with respect to foreign withholding
taxes and foreign tax credits.
   At the termination of a Trust, the Trustee will furnish to each Unitholder of
such Trust a statement containing information relating to the dividends received
by such Trust on the Securities, the gross proceeds received by such Trust from
the disposition of any Security (resulting from redemption or the sale of any
Security), and the fees and expenses paid by such Trust. The Trustee will also
furnish annual information returns to Unitholders and to the Internal Revenue
Service.
   Unitholders desiring to purchase Units for tax-deferred plans and IRAs should
consult their broker-dealers for details on establishing such accounts. Units
may also be purchased by persons who already have self-directed plans
established.
   In the opinion of special counsel to the Fund for New York tax matters, each
Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of the
Trusts will be treated as the income of the Unitholders under the existing
income tax laws of the State and City of New York.
   The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S.
Unitholders ("U.S. Unitholders") with regard to federal and certain aspects of
New York State and City income taxes. Unitholders may be subject to taxation in
New York or in other jurisdictions and should consult their own tax advisers in
this regard. As used herein, the term "U.S. Unitholder" means an owner of a Unit
in one of the Trusts that (a) is (i) for United States federal income tax
purposes a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation,
partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or of any political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an estate or
trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation
regardless of its source or (b) does not qualify as a U.S. Unitholder in
paragraph (a) but whose income from a Unit is effectively connected with such
Unitholder's conduct of a United States trade or business. The term also
includes certain former citizens of the United States whose income and gain on
the Units will be taxable. Unitholders should consult their tax advisers
regarding potential foreign, state or local taxation with respect to the Units.

TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Compensation of Sponsor, Supervisor and Evaluator. The Sponsor will not
receive any fees in connection with its activities relating to the Trusts.
However, the Supervisor and Evaluator, which are affiliates of the Sponsor, will
receive the annual fee for portfolio supervisory and evaluation services set
forth in the "Fee Table". These fees may exceed the actual costs of providing
these services to the Trusts but at no time will the total amount received for
supervisory and evaluation services rendered to all Van Kampen unit investment
trusts in any calendar year exceed the aggregate cost of providing these
services in that year.
   Trustee's Fee. For its services the Trustee will receive the fee from each
Trust set forth in the "Fee Table" (which includes the estimated amount of
miscellaneous Trust expenses). The Trustee benefits to the extent there are
funds in the Capital and Income Accounts since these Accounts are non-interest
bearing to Unitholders and the amounts earned by the Trustee are retained by the
Trustee. Part of the Trustee's compensation for its services to each Trust is
expected to result from the use of these funds.
   Miscellaneous Expenses. The following additional charges are or may be
incurred by a Trust: (a) normal expenses (including the cost of mailing reports
to Unitholders) incurred in connection with the operation of such Trust, (b)
fees of the Trustee for extraordinary services, (c) expenses of the Trustee
(including legal and auditing expenses) and of counsel designated by the
Sponsor, (d) various governmental charges, (e) expenses and costs of any action
taken by the Trustee to protect a Trust and the rights and interests of
Unitholders, (f) indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liability or
expenses incurred in the administration of a Trust without negligence, bad faith
or wilful misconduct on its part, (g) foreign custodial and transaction fees,
(h) costs associated with liquidating the securities held in a Trust portfolio,
(i) any offering costs incurred after the end of the initial offering period and
(j) expenditures incurred in contacting Unitholders upon termination of a Trust.
The DowSM Trusts will also pay a license fee to Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
for use of certain service marks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
   General. During the initial offering period, all of the fees and expenses of
a Trust will accrue on a daily basis and will be charged to the Trust at the end
of the initial offering period. After the initial offering period, all of the
fees and expenses of a Trust will accrue on a daily basis and will be charged to
the Trust on a monthly basis.
   The deferred sales charge, fees and expenses are generally paid out of
the Capital Account of the related Trust. When these amounts are paid by or
owing to the Trustee, they are secured by a lien on the related Trust's
portfolio. It is expected that Securities will be sold to pay these amounts
which will result in capital gains or losses to Unitholders. See "Taxation". The
Supervisor's, Evaluator's and Trustee's fees may be increased without approval
of the Unitholders by amounts not exceeding proportionate increases under the
category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price Index or, if
this category is not published, in a comparable category.

OTHER MATTERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Legal Opinions. The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon
by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as
counsel for the Sponsor. Winston & Strawn has acted as counsel to the Trustee
and as special counsel for New York tax matters.
   Independent Certified Public Accountants. The statements of condition
and the related portfolios included in this Prospectus have been audited by
Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, as set forth in
their report in this Prospectus, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statement filed by the Trusts with the SEC. The Information
Supplement, which has been filed with the SEC, includes more detailed
information concerning the Securities, investment risks and general information
about the Trusts. The Information Supplement may be obtained by contacting the
Trustee at (800) 856-8487 or is available along with other related materials at
the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov).


TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Title                                 Page
   Summary of Essential Financial Information..     2
   Fee Table...................................     3
   The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust................     4
   The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust.................     6
   Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust...........     8
   EAFESMStrategic 20 Trust....................    10
   Euro Strategic 20 Trust.....................    12
   Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables....    14
   Notes to Portfolios.........................    14
   The Securities..............................    15
   Report of Independent Certified
      Public Accountants.......................    20
   Statements of Condition ....................    21
   The Trusts..................................   A-1
   Objectives and Securities Selection.........   A-1
   Risk Factors................................   A-2
   Public Offering.............................   A-4
   Rights of Unitholders.......................   A-8
   Trust Administration........................  A-10
   Taxation....................................  A-12
   Trust Operating Expenses....................  A-16
   Other Matters...............................  A-17
   Additional Information......................  A-17
- --------------
When Units of the Trusts are no longer available this prospectus may be used as
a preliminary prospectus for a future Trust. If this prospectus is used for
future Trusts you should note the following:

The information in this prospectus is not complete with respect to future Trust
series and may be changed. No person may sell Units of future Trusts until a
registration statement is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell Units and is not
soliciting an offer to buy Units in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.



                                                                       EMSPRO145

                                   PROSPECTUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   
                                  March 9, 1999

                                   Van Kampen
                                Focus Portfolios


      The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust,
      March 1999 Series

      The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust,
      March 1999Series

      Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust,
      March 1999Series

      EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust,
      March 1999 Series

      EuroStrategic 20 Trust,
      March 1999 Series
    






                              Van Kampen Funds Inc.


                               One Parkview Plaza
                        Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181

                             2800 Post Oak Boulevard
                              Houston, Texas 77056

               Please retain this prospectus for future reference
<PAGE>

                                   Van Kampen
                             Information Supplement
   
                     Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145
    




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     This Information Supplement provides additional information concerning the
risks and operations of the Trust which is not described in the Prospectus. You
should read this Information Supplement in conjunction with the Prospectus. This
Information Supplement is not a prospectus. It does not include all of the
information that you should consider before investing in a Trust. This
Information Supplement may not be used to offer or sell Units without the
Prospectus. You can obtain copies of the Prospectus by contacting the Sponsor at
One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 or by contacting your
broker. This Information Supplement is dated as of the date of the Prospectus.
All capitalized terms have been defined in the Prospectus.
                                Table of Contents
                                                           Page
             Risk Factors                                     2
             The Trust Strategies                             3
             The Indexes                                      5
             Sponsor Information                              8
             Trustee Information                              8
             Trust Termination                                9

RISK FACTORS
     Price Volatility. Because the Trusts invest in stocks of U.S. and foreign
companies, you should understand the risks of investing in common stocks before
purchasing Units. These risks include the risk that the financial condition of
the company or the general condition of the stock market may worsen and the
value of the stocks (and therefore Units) will fall. Stocks are especially
susceptible to general stock market movements. The value of common stocks often
rises or falls rapidly and unpredictably as market confidence and perceptions of
companies change. These perceptions are based on factors including expectations
regarding government economic policies, inflation, interest rates, economic
expansion or contraction, political climates and economic or banking crises. The
value of Units will fluctuate with the value of the stocks in a Trust and may be
more or less than the price you originally paid for your Units. As with any
investment, we cannot guarantee that the performance of a Trust will be positive
over any period of time. Because the Trusts are unmanaged, the Trustee will not
sell stocks in response to market fluctuations as is common in managed
investments. In addition, because some Trusts hold a relatively small number of
stocks, you may encounter greater market risk than in a more diversified
investment.
     Dividends. Stocks represent ownership interests in a company and are not
obligations of the company. Common stockholders have a right to receive payments
from the company that is subordinate to the rights of creditors, bondholders or
preferred stockholders of the company. This means that common stockholders have
a right to receive dividends only if a company's board of directors declares a
dividend and the company has provided for payment of all of its creditors,
bondholders and preferred stockholders. If a company issues additional debt
securities or preferred stock, the owners of these securities will have a claim
against the company's assets before common stockholders if the company declares
bankruptcy or liquidates its assets even though the common stock was issued
first. As a result, the company may be less willing or able to declare or pay
dividends on its common stock.
     Foreign Stocks. Because certain Trusts invest in foreign stocks, these
Trusts involve additional risks that differ from an investment in domestic
stocks. Investments in foreign securities may involve a greater degree of risk
than those in domestic securities. There is generally less publicly available
information about foreign companies in the form of reports and ratings similar
to those that are published about issuers in the United States. Also, foreign
issuers are generally not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting requirements comparable to those applicable to United States issuers.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of adverse
changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation,
nationalization or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or
other assets of a Trust, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect United States investments in those countries.
Moreover, industrial foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the United States' economy in terms of growth of gross national product, rate of
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of
payments position. Foreign securities markets are generally not as developed or
efficient as those in the United States. While growing in volume, they usually
have substantially less volume than the New York Stock Exchange, and securities
of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable United States issuers. Fixed commissions on foreign exchanges are
generally higher than negotiated commissions on United States exchanges. There
is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges,
brokers and listed issuers than in the United States.
     Foreign Currencies. Certain Trusts also involve the risk that fluctuations
in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may negatively
affect the value of the stocks. For example, if a foreign stock rose 10% in
price but the U.S. dollar gained 5% against the related foreign currency, a U.S.
investor's return would be reduced to about 5%. This is because the foreign
currency would "buy" fewer dollars or, conversely, a dollar would buy more of
the foreign currency. Many foreign currencies have fluctuated widely against the
U.S. dollar for a variety of reasons such as supply and demand of the currency,
investor perceptions of world or country economies, political instability,
currency speculation by institutional investors, changes in government policies,
buying and selling of currencies by central banks of countries, trade balances
and changes in interest rates. A Trust's foreign currency transactions will be
conducted with foreign exchange dealers acting as principals on a spot (i.e.,
cash) buying basis. These dealers realize a profit based on the difference
between the price at which they buy the currency (bid price) and the price at
which they sell the currency (offer price). The Evaluator will estimate the
currency exchange rates based on current activity in the related currency
exchange markets, however, due to the volatility of the markets and other
factors, the estimated rates may not be indicative of the rate a Trust might
obtain had the Trustee sold the currency in the market at that time.
     Liquidity. Whether or not the stocks in a Trust are listed on a stock
exchange, the stocks may delist from the exchange or principally trade in an
over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market
could depend on whether dealers will make a market in the stocks. We cannot
guarantee that dealers will maintain a market or that any market will be liquid.
The value of the stocks could fall if trading markets are limited or absent.
     Additional Units. The Sponsor may create additional Units of a Trust by
depositing into the Trust additional stocks or cash with instructions to
purchase additional stocks. A cash deposit could result in a dilution of your
investment and anticipated income because of fluctuations in the price of the
stocks between the time of the deposit and the purchase of the stocks and
because the Trust will pay brokerage fees.
     Voting. Only the Trustee may sell or vote the stocks in a Trust. While you
may sell or redeem your Units, you may not sell or vote the stocks in your
Trust. The Sponsor will instruct the Trustee how to vote the stocks. The Trustee
will vote the stocks in the same general proportion as shares held by other
shareholders if the Sponsor fails to provide instructions.
     Year 2000. The Trusts could be negatively impacted if computer systems used
by the Sponsor, Evaluator, Supervisor or Trustee or other service providers to
the Trusts do not properly process date-related information after January 1,
2000. This is commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem". The Sponsor, Evaluator,
Supervisor and Trustee are taking steps to address this problem and to obtain
reasonable assurances that other service providers to the Trusts are taking
comparable steps. We cannot guarantee that these steps will be sufficient to
avoid any adverse impact on the Trusts. This problem is expected to impact
corporations to varying degrees based on factors such as industry sector and
degree of technological sophistication. We cannot predict what impact, if any,
this problem will have on the issuers of stocks in the Trusts. 

THE TRUST STRATEGIES
     In seeking the Trusts' objectives, the Sponsor considered the ability of
the Securities to outpace inflation. While inflation is currently relatively
low, the United States has historically experienced periods of double-digit
inflation. While the prices of securities will fluctuate, over time securities
have outperformed the rate of inflation, and other less risky investments, such
as government bonds and U.S. Treasury bills. Past performance is, however, no
guarantee of future results.
   The companies represented in the Trusts are some of the most well-known and
highly capitalized companies in the world. The Trusts seek to achieve better
performances than the related indexes through similar investment strategies.
Investment in a number of companies having high dividends relative to their
stock prices (usually because their stock prices are undervalued) is designed to
increase each Trust's potential for higher returns. There is, of course, no
assurance that a Trust (which includes expenses and sales charges) will achieve
its objective.
   Certain of the Trusts may be suitable for investors who seek to diversify
their equity holdings with investments in foreign equity securities. Today's
international market offers many opportunities. While the U.S. stock market has
generally performed well in the past, international markets may provide
significant opportunities as well. The U.S. stock market has been one of the top
three performers in terms of total return among developed country markets only
once between 1993-1997 and was never the top performer in these years. Global
diversification may offer the potential to enhance overall portfolio
performance. In addition, investors may be able to achieve a better risk/return
potential by allocating an investment among a domestic investment and an
international investment. For example, rather than investing exclusively in the
Strategic Picks Trust strategy, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index stocks or in the
EAFE Strategic 20 Trust strategy, an investor may be able to achieve a better
combination of potential return and potential risk by investing 70% in the
Strategic Picks Trust strategy or Standard & Poor's 500 Index stocks and 30% in
the EAFE Strategic 20 Trust strategy. International markets can experience
different performances and while some markets may be experiencing rapid growth,
others may be in temporary decline. These market movements may offer attractive
growth potential and possible portfolio diversification for investors seeking to
add to their existing equity portfolio. Certain of the Trusts seek to combine
the growth potential of undervalued stocks with the strength of stocks listed on
a foreign stock market index. Typically, companies listed on a major market
index are widely recognized, firmly established and financially strong.
Therefore, when undervalued, these stocks may provide investors with significant
growth opportunities.
   Corporate restructuring, acquisitions and the use of technology may enhance
the ability of foreign companies to increase their potential profitability.
Progress of the European Monetary Union efforts to create a unified currency
could potentially add to European growth rates. In addition, if the U.S. dollar
does not remain as strong as in the recent past, foreign stocks may benefit and
foreign stocks may be relatively attractive from a valuation standpoint compared
to U.S. stock prices. Of course, an investment in foreign securities involves
risks, certain of which differ from an investment in U.S. stocks. See "Risk
Factors".
   In particular, the Sponsor believes that the Trusts holding foreign stocks
may offer investors an attractive opportunity to diversify their portfolio with
an international component. First, markets have tended to be cyclical in
performance and at certain times U.S. stocks have outperformed foreign stocks
while foreign stocks have outperformed U.S. stocks over other periods. Second,
the U.S. stock market has been among the top five markets in terms of total
returns from 1988 through 1997 only four times and was never the top performing
market in these years (as measured by the MSCI USA Index and other MSCI country
indexes in developed market countries). Third, while diversification of
investments cannot eliminate the risk of loss, an investor may be able to reduce
overall portfolio risk by diversifying into international investments since
approximately 60% of the world's market capitalization exists outside the U.S.
Finally, over the last 10 years the stocks in Standard & Poor's 500 Index have
collectively shown a total return that is greater than the 25-year average total
return 6 times while the stocks in the MSCI EAFESM Index have collectively
outperformed the 25-year average total return only twice in the last 10 years.
Although it is impossible to predict the future of stocks markets, the MSCI
EAFESM Index stocks at some time are likely to return to the average in the
future.
   It should be noted that the foregoing yield comparisons do not take into
account any expenses or sales commissions which would arise from an investment
in Units of the Trusts. The Trusts seek to achieve better performances than the
related indexes through similar investment strategies. Investment in a number of
companies having high dividends relative to their stock prices (usually because
their stock prices are undervalued) is designed to increase each Trust's
potential for higher returns. There is, of course, no assurance that a Trust
(which includes expenses and sales charges) will achieve its objective. The
investment strategies utilized by the Trusts are designed to be implemented on
an annual basis. Investors who hold Units through Trust termination may have
investment results that differ significantly from a Unit investment that is
reinvested into a new trust each year.
     Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the
Securities for inclusion in the Trusts as of three business days prior to the
Initial Date of Deposit. Subsequent to this date, the Securities may no longer
be included in an index, may not be providing one of the ten highest dividend
yields within these indexes or may not have one of the 2nd through 6th lowest
per share prices within the relevant index. Should a Security no longer be
included in these indexes or meet the criteria used for selection for a Trust,
such Security will not as a result thereof be removed from a Trust portfolio.

THE INDEXES
     The Dow Jones Industrial Average. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA")
was first published in The Wall Street Journal in 1896. Initially consisting of
just 12 stocks, the DJIA expanded to 20 stocks in 1916 and its present size of
30 stocks on October 1, 1928. The companies which make up the DJIA have remained
relatively constant over the life of the DJIA. The following is the list as it
currently appears:
      Allied Signal
      Aluminum Company of America
      American Express Company
      AT&T Corporation
      Boeing Company
      Caterpillar, Inc.
      Chevron Corporation
      Citigroup, Inc.
      Coca-Cola Company
      Eastman Kodak Company
      E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company
      Exxon Corporation
      General Electric Company
      General Motors Corporation
      Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
      Hewlett-Packard Company
      International Business Machines Corporation
      International Paper Company
      J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc.
      Johnson & Johnson
      McDonald's Corporation
      Merck & Company, Inc.
      Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
      Philip Morris Companies, Inc.
      Procter & Gamble Company
      Sears, Roebuck and Company
      Union Carbide Corporation
      United Technologies Corporation
      Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
      Walt Disney Company

   "Dow JonesSM", "Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM", "The Dow 5SM", "The Dow
10SM", "The Dow 30SM", "The DowSM", and "DJIASM" are proprietary to and service
marks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use for certain
purposes by the Trusts. The Trusts are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted
by Dow Jones and Dow Jones makes no representation regarding the avisability of
investing in any Trust.
   The MSCI Indexes. While the MSCI index methodology has evolved to capture the
growth of the investment universe, the index philosophy has never been
compromised to simplify the complicated process of investing: MSCI indices are
based on detailed analysis to make it easier for the investor to measure
international performance. Constituents are selected for a country index through
the following process: (1) Define the "Market"; (2) Capture 60% of the market
capitalization of the country across all industry groups; (3) Select the most
liquid securities within each industry; (4) Select stocks with sufficient free
float; (5) Avoid cross-ownership; and (6) Apply full market capitalization
weights.
   The initial research for the MSCI Indices covers the full breadth of the
global equity securities market. Country specialists track the evolution of both
listed and unlisted shares of domestically listed companies in nearly every
country in the world. Based in Geneva, these country teams collect share,
pricing, ownership, float and liquidity data for effectively all companies
worldwide. Sources for this information are local stock exchanges and brokerage
firms, newspapers, and company contacts. From this master matrix, the total
country market capitalization is adjusted for double-counting and non-domiciled
companies. All of the companies within this research coverage are eligible for
inclusion in the MSCI indices except non-domiciled companies, investment trusts
and mutual funds.
   Once the total country market capitalization is analyzed, 60% of the
capitalization of each industry group and thus 60% of the entire market is
targeted for each MSCI index. This ensures that the index reflects the industry
characteristics of the overall market, and permits the construction of accurate
regional and global industry indices. Research coverage in MSCI products and
publications extends beyond the index coverage (60%) to capture 80% of the
market for each country. This coverage includes daily performance as well as
monthly valuation ratios and summarized financial statement data. When selecting
the constituents of an index, the most effective industry classification is
used--either the local convention or the MSCI schema of 38 industry groups--in
order to mirror the industry characteristics of the local market. Once the
selection process is complete, the index constituents are re-classified into the
MSCI schema of 38 industries and 8 economic sectors in order to facilitate
cross-country comparisons. The MSCI classification schema has been adopted by
Reuters for their industry classification. Securities are selected to represent
an industry based on size and the portion of earnings and revenues attributable
to that industry group. Even within an industry the goal is to represent the
full diversity of business segments. An industry representation may exceed the
60% target because one or two large companies dominate an industry. Similarly,
an industry may fall below the 80% level under conventional analysis because its
companies lack good liquidity and float, or because of extensive 
cross-ownership.
   A goal of the MSCI index construction process is to select the most liquid
stocks within each industry group, all other things being equal, since liquidity
is necessary but not the sole determinant for inclusion in the index. Liquidity
is monitored by monthly average trading value over time in order to determine
normal levels of volume, excluding temporary peaks and troughs. A stock's
liquidity is significant not only in absolute terms, but also relative to its
market capitalization and to average liquidity for the country as a whole.
   Float is monitored for every security in the market, and low float (a small
percentage of shares freely tradable) may exclude a stock from consideration in
the index. But float can be difficult to determine: in some markets good sources
are generally not available; in other markets, information on smaller and less
prominent issues can be subject to error and time lags. Government ownership and
cross-ownership positions can change over time and are not always made public.
Float also tends to be defined differently depending on the source. Thus,
evaluations of float run the risk of penalizing those markets that have good
disclosure, regardless of the actual degree of availability of shares. As with
liquidity, sufficient float is an important consideration, not an inflexible
rule.
   Cross-ownership occurs when one company has a significant ownership in
another company in the same country. In situations where cross-ownership is
substantial, including both companies in an index can skew industry weights,
distort country-level valuations (such as country price-earnings and price-book
value ratios) and overstate a country's true market size. An integral part of
the country research function is identifying cross ownerships in order to avoid
or minimize them. Country specialists in Geneva do much of the cross-ownership
identification through researching company reports, local newspapers and stock
exchange data.
   All standard MSCI indices are weighted by each company's full market
capitalization (both listed and unlisted shares). This approach has the
significant advantage of objectivity--the number of shares outstanding for a
company is a constituent figure for companies around the world and is easily
agreed upon and obtainable. Full market capitalization weighting is favored to
other weighting schemes for both theoretical and practical reasons: (a) it is
impossible to judge whether a position which is currently in firm hands might be
available in the future; (b) the quality and timeliness of information on float
varies from market to market and adjustments penalize those markets with the
highest standards of disclosure; (c) the most serious consequence of float
limitations is limited liquidity which can be monitored objectively; much effort
is spent in researching and monitoring these factors when selecting constituents
for each country index but once a security is selected, it is included in the
index at its full market value. A growing number of very sizable companies have
been brought or are expected to be brought to the market with modest initial
tranches being publicly available. At the same time, the obvious relevance of
these companies instantly positions them among the core investment opportunities
in their market. In order to allow the MSCI indices to capture this new market
trend, in very exceptional cases, a company may be included at a portion of its
total market capitalization.
   Morgan Stanley Capital International. Recognized as a world leader in global
financial research, Morgan Stanley monitors more than 4,500 companies in 51
countries, representing 80% of the total market value of the world's stock
markets. The Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI") databases are used as
a benchmark by more than 90% of the investment community. With hundreds of
analysts located across the globe, MSCI provides comprehensive research and
in-depth knowledge about general markets and specific companies around the
world.
   Since 1968, MSCI global indices have presented an array of investment
opportunities available to the international investor, including indices such as
the MSCI USA Index and the MSCI EAFESM Index. These indices seek to represent an
accurate normal portfolio. In addition, index valuation ratios and company-level
fundamental data provide tools for the international investor. MSCI believes
that local stock exchange indices are not comparable with one another due to
differences in the representation of the local market, mathematical formulas,
methods of adjusting for capital changes, and base dates. The same criteria and
calculation methodology are applied across all MSCI indices. Further, while
accounting standards continue to differ according to local customs and
practices, fundamental data is analyzed and presented in a uniform and
meaningful manner in MSCI indices--allowing investors to compare investment
opportunities across markets. Each MSCI country index is constructed so as to
minimize double counting, assuring that all industry groups are proportionately
represented, and that each country's contribution to the global or regional
index is accurately based on its market capitalization.
   In 1986, Morgan Stanley acquired the indices and data from Capital
International Perspective, S.A. ("CIPSA") based in Geneva, Switzerland. CIPSA
has been researching and publishing international indices since 1969 and
continues to be solely responsible for the decisions regarding constituent
additions and deletions as well as any other methodological modifications to the
indices. Morgan Stanley contributes its expertise in technology and the
marketing and distribution of the MSCI Indices and publications. Selection of
the constituents for MSCI Indices is conducted independent of the Sponsor which
has no input regarding the components of any index.
   The MSCI Indices are the exclusive property of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley
Capital International is a service mark of Morgan Stanley and has been licensed
for use by Van Kampen Funds Inc.
   This fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morgan Stanley.
Morgan Stanley makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the
owners of this fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in funds generally or in this fund particularly or the ability of the
MSCI Indices to track general stock market performance. Morgan Stanley is the
licensor of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of Morgan Stanley
and of the MSCI Indices which are determined, composed and calculated by Morgan
Stanley without regard to the issuer of this fund or this fund. Morgan Stanley
has no obligation to take the needs of the issuer of this fund or the owners of
this fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the MSCI
Indices. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for and has not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of this fund to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which Units of
this fund is redeemable for cash. Morgan Stanley has no obligation or liability
to owners of this fund in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of this fund.
   ALTHOUGH MORGAN STANLEY SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE
IN THE CALCULATION OF AN INDEX FROM SOURCES WHICH MORGAN STANLEY CONSIDERS
RELIABLE, NEITHER MORGAN STANLEY NOR ANY OTHER PARTY GUARANTEES THE ACCURACY
AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF AN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NEITHER MORGAN
STANLEY NOR ANY OTHER PARTY MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO
RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, LICENSEE'S CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES,
OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF AN INDEX OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED HEREUNDER OR
FOR ANY OTHER USE. NEITHER MORGAN STANLEY NOR ANY OTHER PARTY MAKES ANY EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND MORGAN STANLEY HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT
TO AN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING,
IN NO EVENT SHALL MORGAN STANLEY OR ANY OTHER PARTY HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES
(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

SPONSOR INFORMATION
   Van Kampen Funds Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the Sponsor of the Trust.
The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments Inc. Van Kampen
Investments Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSAM Holdings II, Inc., which
in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
("MSDW").
   MSDW, together with various of its directly and indirectly owned
subsidiaries, is engaged in a wide range of financial services through three
primary businesses: securities, asset management and credit services. These
principal businesses include securities underwriting, distribution and trading;
merger, acquisition, restructuring and other corporate finance advisory
activities; merchant banking; stock brokerage and research services; asset
management; trading of futures, options, foreign exchange commodities and swaps
(involving foreign exchange, commodities, indices and interest rates); real
estate advice, financing and investing; global custody, securities clearance
services and securities lending; and credit card services.
   Van Kampen Funds Inc. specializes in the underwriting and distribution of
unit investment trusts and mutual funds with roots in money management dating
back to 1926. The Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. and has offices at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
60181, (630) 684-6000 and 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056, (713)
993-0500. As of November 30, 1998, the total stockholders' equity of Van Kampen
Funds Inc. was $135,236,000 (audited). (This paragraph relates only to the
Sponsor and not to the Trust or to any other Series thereof. The information is
included herein only for the purpose of informing investors as to the financial
responsibility of the Sponsor and its ability to carry out its contractual
obligations. More detailed financial information will be made available by the
Sponsor upon request.)
   As of September 30, 1997, the Sponsor and its Van Kampen affiliates managed
or supervised approximately $65.3 billion of investment products, of which over
$10.85 billion is invested in municipal securities. The Sponsor and its Van
Kampen affiliates managed $54 billion of assets, consisting of $34.3 billion for
55 open-end mutual funds (of which 45 are distributed by Van Kampen Funds Inc.)
$14.2 billion for 37 closed-end funds and $5.5 billion for 106 institutional
accounts. The Sponsor has also deposited approximately $26 billion of unit
investment trusts. All of Van Kampen's open-end funds, closed-ended funds and
unit investment trusts are professionally distributed by leading financial firms
nationwide. Based on cumulative assets deposited, the Sponsor believes that it
is the largest sponsor of insured municipal unit investment trusts, primarily
through the success of its Insured Municipals Income Trust(R) or the IM-IT(R)
trust. The Sponsor also provides surveillance and evaluation services at cost
for approximately $13 billion of unit investment trust assets outstanding. Since
1976, the Sponsor has serviced over two million investor accounts, opened
through retail distribution firms.
   If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the Trust
Agreement or become incapable of acting or shall become bankrupt or its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (i) appoint a
successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the Trustee to be
reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) terminate the Trust Agreement and liquidate the Trusts as
provided therein or (iii) continue to act as Trustee without terminating the
Trust Agreement.

TRUSTEE INFORMATION
   The Trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized under the
laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its unit investment trust division
offices at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286 (800) 221-7668. The Bank
of New York is subject to supervision and examination by the Superintendent of
Banks of the State of New York and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation to the extent permitted by law.
   The duties of the Trustee are primarily ministerial in nature. It did
not participate in the selection of Securities for the Trust portfolios.
   In accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall keep proper books
of record and account of all transactions at its office for each Trust. Such
records shall include the name and address of, and the number of Units of each
Trust held by, every Unitholder. Such books and records shall be open to
inspection by any Unitholder at all reasonable times during the usual business
hours. The Trustee shall make such annual or other reports as may from time to
time be required under any applicable state or federal statute, rule or
regulation. The Trustee is required to keep a certified copy or duplicate
original of the Trust Agreement on file in its office available for inspection
at all reasonable times during the usual business hours by any Unitholder,
together with a current list of the Securities held in each Trust.
   Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee or any successor trustee may resign
and be discharged of its responsibilities created by the Trust Agreement by
executing an instrument in writing and filing the same with the Sponsor. The
Trustee or successor trustee must mail a copy of the notice of resignation to
all Unitholders then of record, not less than 60 days before the date specified
in such notice when such resignation is to take effect. The Sponsor upon
receiving notice of such resignation is obligated to appoint a successor trustee
promptly. If, upon such resignation, no successor trustee has been appointed and
has accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring
Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The Sponsor may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee as
provided in the Trust Agreement at any time with or without cause. Notice of
such removal and appointment shall be mailed to each Unitholder by the Sponsor.
Upon execution of a written acceptance of such appointment by such successor
trustee, all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of the original trustee
shall vest in the successor. The resignation or removal of a Trustee becomes
effective only when the successor trustee accepts its appointment as such or
when a court of competent jurisdiction appoints a successor trustee.
   Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to
which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the successor trustee. The Trustee
must be a banking corporation organized under the laws of the United States or
any state and having at all times an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000.

TRUST TERMINATION
   A Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of Unitholders
representing 66 2/3% of the Units of such Trust then outstanding or by the
Trustee when the value of the Securities owned by a Trust, as shown by any
evaluation, is less than $500,000 ($3,000,000 if the value of the Trust has
exceeded $15,000,000). A Trust will be liquidated by the Trustee in the event
that a sufficient number of Units of such Trust not yet sold are tendered for
redemption by the Sponsor, so that the net worth of such Trust would be reduced
to less than 40% of the value of the Securities at the time they were deposited
in such Trust. If a Trust is liquidated because of the redemption of unsold
Units by the Sponsor, the Sponsor will refund to each purchaser of Units the
entire sales charge paid by such purchaser. The Trust Agreement will terminate
upon the sale or other disposition of the last Security held thereunder, but in
no event will it continue beyond the Mandatory Termination Date.
   Commencing during the period beginning nine business days prior to, and no
later than, the Mandatory Termination Date, Securities will begin to be sold in
connection with the termination of the Trusts. The Sponsor will determine the
manner, timing and execution of the sales of the Securities. The Sponsor shall
direct the liquidation of the Securities in such manner as to effectuate orderly
sales and a minimal market impact. In the event the Sponsor does not so direct,
the Securities shall be sold within a reasonable period and in such manner as
the Trustee, in its sole discretion, shall determine. At least 30 days before
the Mandatory Termination Date the Trustee will provide written notice of any
termination to all Unitholders of the appropriate Trust and in the case of a
Trust will include with such notice a form to enable Unitholders owning 1,000 or
more Units to request an in kind distribution of the U.S.-traded Securities. To
be effective, this request must be returned to the Trustee at least five
business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. On the Mandatory
Termination Date (or on the next business day thereafter if a holiday) the
Trustee will deliver each requesting Unitholder's pro rata number of whole
shares of the U.S.-traded Securities in a Trust to the account of the
broker-dealer or bank designated by the Unitholder at Depository Trust Company.
A Unitholder electing an in kind distribution will not receive a distribution of
shares of the foreign exchange-traded Securities but will instead receive cash
representing his pro rata portion of such Securities. The value of the
Unitholder's fractional shares of the Securities will be paid in cash.
Unitholders with less than 1,000 Units, Unitholders in a Trust with 1,000 or
more Units not requesting an in kind distribution and Unitholders who do not
elect the Rollover Option will receive a cash distribution from the sale of the
remaining Securities within a reasonable time following the Mandatory
Termination Date. Regardless of the distribution involved, the Trustee will
deduct from the funds of the appropriate Trust any accrued costs, expenses,
advances or indemnities provided by the Trust Agreement, including estimated
compensation of the Trustee, costs of liquidation and any amounts required as a
reserve to provide for payment of any applicable taxes or other governmental
charges. Any sale of Securities in a Trust upon termination may result in a
lower amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not required at
such time. The Trustee will then distribute to each Unitholder of each Trust his
pro rata share of the balance of the Income and Capital Accounts of such Trust.
   The Sponsor currently intends to, but is not obligated to, offer for sale
units of a subsequent series of the Trusts pursuant to the Rollover Option.
There is, however, no assurance that units of any new series of the Trusts will
be offered for sale at that time, or if offered, that there will be sufficient
units available for sale to meet the requests of any or all Unitholders.
   Within 60 days of the final distribution Unitholders will be furnished a
final distribution statement of the amount distributable. At such time as the
Trustee in its sole discretion will determine that any amounts held in reserve
are no longer necessary, it will make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the
same manner.
<PAGE>


                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

         This Amendment No. 1 of Registration Statement comprises the following
papers and documents:


         The facing sheet
         The Prospectus
         The signatures
         The consents of independent public accountants and legal counsel

The following exhibits:

1.1       Copy of Trust Agreement.

3.1       Opinion and consent of counsel as to legality of securities being 
          registered.

3.2       Opinion of counsel as to the Federal income tax status of securities 
          being registered.

3.3       Opinion and consent of counsel as to New York tax status of securities
          being registered.

4.1       Consent of Interactive Data Corporation

4.2       Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants.

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

         The Registrant, Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145, hereby
identifies Van Kampen Merritt Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 1, Series 2,
Series 4 and Series 7 and Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 13, Series 14, Series 57 and Series 89 for purposes of the
representations required by Rule 487 and represents the following: (1) that the
portfolio securities deposited in the series as to the securities of which this
Registration Statement is being filed do not differ materially in type or
quality from those deposited in such previous series; (2) that, except to the
extent necessary to identify the specific portfolio securities deposited in, and
to provide essential financial information for, the series with respect to the
securities of which this Registration Statement is being filed, this
Registration Statement does not contain disclosures that differ in any material
respect from those contained in the registration statements for such previous
series as to which the effective date was determined by the Commission or the
staff; and (3) that it has complied with Rule 460 under the Securities Act of
1933.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145 has duly caused this
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois on the 8th day of March, 1999.

                     Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145
                            By Van Kampen Funds Inc.


                                                          By    Gina M. Costello
                                                             Assistant Secretary

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed below on March 8,
1999 by the following persons who constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors of Van Kampen Funds Inc.

          SIGNATURE                             TITLE

Richard F. Powers III               Chairman and Chief Executive              )

                                       Officer                                )

John H. Zimmerman III               President and Chief Operating             )

                                       Officer                                )

William R. Rybak                    Executive Vice President and              )
                                       Chief Financial Officer                )

A. Thomas Smith III                 Executive Vice President,                 )
                                       General Counsel and Secretary          )

Michael H. Santo                    Executive Vice President                  )


                           Gina M. Costello
                           (Attorney-in-fact*)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         *An executed copy of each of the related powers of attorney is filed
herewith or was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection
with the Registration Statement on Form S-6 of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios,
Series 136 (File No. 333-70897) and the same are hereby incorporated herein by
this reference.






                                                                 EXHIBIT 1.1

                           VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS
                                   SERIES 145
                                 TRUST AGREEMENT

                                                            Dated: March 8, 1999

         This Trust Agreement among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as Depositor,
American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen Investment
Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as
Supervisory Servicer, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, sets forth certain
provisions in full and incorporates other provisions by reference to the
document entitled "Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series
87 and Subsequent Series, Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust, Effective
January 27, 1998" (herein called the "Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust")
and such provisions as are set forth in full and such provisions as are
incorporated by reference constitute a single instrument. All references herein
to Articles and Sections are to Articles and Sections of the Standard Terms and
Conditions of Trust.


                                WITNESSETH THAT:

         In consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements herein
contained, the Depositor, Evaluator, Supervisory Servicer and Trustee agree as
follows:


                                     PART I
                     STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRUST

         Subject to the provisions of Part II hereof, all the provisions
contained in the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust are herein incorporated
by reference in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this
instrument as fully and to the same extent as though said provisions had been
set forth in full in this instrument.


                                     PART II
                      SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRUST

         The following special terms and conditions are hereby agreed to:

          1. The Securities defined in Section 1.01(24), listed in the Schedule
hereto, have been deposited in trust under this Trust Agreement.

          2. The fractional undivided interest in and ownership of each Trust
represented by each Unit is an amount the numerator of which is one and the
denominator of which is the amount set forth under "Summary of Essential
Financial Information - Initial Number of Units" in the Prospectus. Such
fractional undivided interest may be (a) increased by the number of any
additional Units issued pursuant to Section 2.03, (b) increased or decreased in
connection with an adjustment to the number of Units pursuant to Section 2.03,
or (c) decreased by the number of Units redeemed pursuant to Section 5.02.

          3. The terms "Capital Account Record Date" and "Income Account Record
Date" shall mean the approximately one month prior to the "Mandatory Termination
Record Dates" set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in
the Prospectus.

          4. The terms "Capital Account Distribution Date" and "Income Account
Distribution Date" shall mean the "Distribution Dates" set forth under "Summary
of Essential Financial Information" in the Prospectus.

          5. The term "Mandatory Termination Date" shall mean the "Mandatory
Termination Date" set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial Information"
in the Prospectus.

          6. The term "Rollover Notification Date" shall mean approximately one
month prior to the "Mandatory Termination Date" set forth under "Summary of
Essential Financial Information" in the Prospectus.

          7. The term "Special Redemption Date" shall mean the "Mandatory
Termination Date" set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial Information"
in the Prospectus.

          8. Section 6.01(e) is hereby replaced with the following:

                   (e) (1) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (2) of this
         paragraph, the Trustee may employ agents, sub-custodians, attorneys,
         accountants and auditors and shall not be answerable for the default or
         misconduct of any such agents, sub-custodians, attorneys, accountants
         or auditors if such agents, sub-custodians, attorneys, accountants or
         auditors shall have been selected with reasonable care. The Trustee
         shall be fully protected in respect of any action under this Indenture
         taken or suffered in good faith by the Trustee in accordance with the
         opinion of counsel, which may be counsel to the Depositor acceptable to
         the Trustee, provided, however that this disclaimer of liability shall
         not excuse the Trustee from the responsibilities specified in
         subparagraph (2) below. The fees and expenses charged by such agents,
         sub-custodians, attorneys, accountants or auditors shall constitute an
         expense of the Trust reimbursable from the Income and Capital Accounts
         of the affected Trust as set forth in section 6.04 hereof.

                   (2) The Trustee may place and maintain in the care of an
         Eligible Foreign Custodian (which is employed by the Trustee as a
         sub-custodian as contemplated by subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (e)
         and which may be an affiliate or subsidiary of the Trustee or any other
         entity in which the Trustee may have an ownership interest) any
         investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market
         is outside the United States, and such cash and cash equivalents in
         amounts reasonably necessary to effect the Trust's transactions in such
         investments, provided that:

                            (a) The Trustee shall perform all duties assigned to
                  the Foreign Custody Manager by Rule 17f-5 under the Investment
                  Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR ss. 270.17f-5) ("Rule 17f-5"), as
                  now in effect or as such rule may be amended in the future.
                  The Trustee shall not delegate such duties.

                            (b) The Trustee shall exercise reasonable care,
                  prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility
                  for the safekeeping of Trust assets would exercise, and shall
                  be liable to the Trust for any loss occurring as a result of
                  its failure to do so.

                            (c) The Trustee shall indemnify the Trust and hold
                  the Trust harmless from and against any risk of loss of Trust
                  assets held in accordance with the foreign custody contract.

                            (d) The Trustee shall maintain and keep current
                  written records regarding the basis for the choice or
                  continued use of a particular Eligible Foreign Custodian
                  pursuant to this subparagraph for a period of not less than
                  six years from the end of the fiscal year in which the Trust
                  was terminated, the first two years in an easily accessible
                  place. Such records shall be available for inspection by
                  Unitholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission at the
                  Trustee's offices at all reasonable times during its usual
                  business hours.

                  (3) "Eligible Foreign Custodian" shall have the meaning
                       assigned to it in Rule 17f-5.

                  (4) "Foreign Custody Manager" shall have the meaning assigned
                       to it in Rule 17f-5.

          9.    Section 1.01 (1), (3) and (4) shall be replaced in their 
entirety by the following:

                            (1) "Depositor" shall mean Van Kampen Funds Inc. and
                  its successors in interest, or any successor depositor
                  appointed as hereinafter provided.

                            (3) "Evaluator" shall mean American Portfolio
                  Evaluation Services (a division of an Van Kampen Investment
                  Advisory Corp.) and its successors in interest, or any
                  successor evaluator appointed as hereinafter provided.

                            (4) "Supervisory Servicer" shall mean Van Kampen
                  Investment Advisory Corp. and its successors in interest, or
                  any successor portfolio supervisor as hereinafter provided.

         10. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Standard Terms and
Conditions of Trust and subject to the requirements set forth in this paragraph,
unless the Prospectus otherwise requires, the Sponsor may, on any Business Day
(the "Trade Date"), subscribe for additional Units as follows:

                (a) Prior to the Evaluation Time on such Business Day, the
Sponsor shall provide notice (the "Subscription Notice") to the Trustee, by
telephone or by written communication, of the Sponsor's intention to subscribe
for additional Units. The Subscription Notice shall identify the additional
Securities to be acquired (unless such additional Securities are a precise
replication of the then existing portfolio) and shall either (i) specify the
quantity of additional Securities to be deposited by the Sponsor on the
settlement date for such subscription or (ii) instruct the Trustee to purchase
additional Securities with an aggregate value as specified in the Subscription
Notice.

                (b) Promptly  following  the  Evaluation  Time on such  Business
Day, the Sponsor shall verify with the Trustee the number of additional Units to
be created.

                (c) Not later than the time on the settlement date for such
subscription when the Trustee is to deliver or assign the additional Units
created hereby, the Sponsor shall deposit with the Trustee (i) any additional
Securities specified in the Subscription Notice (or contracts to purchase such
additional Securities together with cash or a letter of credit in the amount
necessary to settle such contracts) or (ii) cash or a letter of credit in an
amount equal to the aggregate value of the additional Securities specified in
the Subscription Notice, and adding and subtracting the amounts specified in the
first and second sentences of Section 5.01, computed as of the Evaluation Time
on the Business Day preceding the Trade Date divided by the number of Units
outstanding as of the Evaluation Time on the Business Day preceding the Trade
Date, times the number of additional Units to be created.

                (d) On the settlement date for such subscription, the Trustee
shall, in exchange for the Securities and cash or letter of credit described
above, deliver to, or assign in the name of or on the order of, the Sponsor the
number of Units verified by the Sponsor with the Trustee.

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Trust Agreement to
be executed and their corporate seals to be hereto affixed and attested; all as
of the day, month and year first above written.


                              Van Kampen Funds Inc.

                               By James J. Boyne 
                                  Vice President
Attest:

By    Nicholas Dalmaso          
Assistant Secretary

                     American Portfolio Evaluation Services,
               a division of Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp.

                               By James J. Boyne 
                                  Vice President
Attest:

By    Nicholas Dalmaso          
Assistant Secretary
                      Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp.

                               By James J. Boyne 
                                  Vice President
Attest:

By     Nicholas Dalmaso           
Assistant Secretary

                              The Bank of New York

                               By  Jeffrey Cohen
                                   Vice President
Attest:

By    Robert Weir
Assistant Treasurer

<PAGE>

                          SCHEDULE A TO TRUST AGREEMENT
                         SECURITIES INITIALLY DEPOSITED

                                       IN

                     VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 145

               (Note: Incorporated herein and made a part hereof
             are the "Portfolios" as set forth in the Prospectus.)





                                                                    EXHIBIT 3.1

                               CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                             111 WEST MONROE STREET
                             CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603

                                  March 8, 1999



Van Kampen Funds Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois  60181


                   Re: Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145
                       ---------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

         We have served as counsel for Van Kampen Funds Inc. as Sponsor and
Depositor of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145 (hereinafter referred to as
the "Trust"), in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of a
Trust Agreement dated March 8, 1999, among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as Depositor,
American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen Investment
Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as
Supervisory Servicer, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, pursuant to which
the Depositor has delivered to and deposited the Securities listed in the
Schedule to the Trust Agreement with the Trustee and pursuant to which the
Trustee has provided to or on the order of the Depositor documentation
evidencing ownership of Units of fractional undivided interest in and ownership
of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as the "Units"), created under said Trust
Agreement.

         In connection therewith we have examined such pertinent records and
documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us
to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.

         Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

         1.The execution and delivery of the Trust Agreement and the execution
and issuance of certificates evidencing the Units in the Trust have been duly
authorized; and

         2. The certificates evidencing the Units in the Trust, when duly
executed and delivered by the Depositor and the Trustee in accordance with the
aforementioned Trust Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of
such Trust and the Depositor in accordance with the terms thereof.

<PAGE>

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-72087) relating to the Units referred to
above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.

                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                      CHAPMAN AND CUTLER





                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2

                               CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                             111 WEST MONROE STREET
                             CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603

                                  March 8, 1999

Van Kampen Funds Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois  60181

The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York  10286


                   Re: Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145
                       ---------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel for Van Kampen Funds Inc., Depositor of Van
Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145 (the "Fund"), in connection with the
issuance of Units of fractional undivided interest in the Fund, under a Trust
Agreement dated March 8, 1999 (the "Indenture") among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as
Depositor, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen
Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisory Servicer, and The Bank of New York, as
Trustee. The Fund is comprised of the separate unit investment trusts described
in the prospectus for the Fund (the "Trusts").

         In this connection, we have examined the Registration Statement, the
Prospectus, the Indenture, and such other instruments and documents as we have
deemed pertinent.

         The assets of each Trust will consist of a portfolio of securities (the
"Securities") as set forth in the Prospectus. For purposes of this opinion, it
is assumed that each Security is equity for federal income tax purposes.

         Based upon the foregoing and upon an investigation of such matters of
law as we consider to be applicable, we are of the opinion that, under existing
United States Federal income tax law:

                   (i) Each Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation
         for Federal income tax purposes but will be governed by the provisions
         of subchapter J (relating to trusts) of chapter 1, Internal Revenue
         Code of 1986 (the "Code").

                  (ii) A Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro rata
         share of each asset of a Trust in the proportion that the number of
         Units held by him bears to the total number of Units outstanding. Under
         subpart E, subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Code, income of a Trust
         will be treated as income of each Unitholder in the proportion
         described, and an item of Trust income will have the same character in
         the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in the hands of the Trustee.
         Each Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata share
         of income derived from each Trust asset when such income is considered
         to be received by a Trust. A Unitholder's pro rata portion of
         distributions of cash or property by a corporation with respect to a
         Security ("dividends" as defined by Section 316 of the Code) is taxable
         as ordinary income to the extent of such corporation's current and
         accumulated "earnings and profits." A Unitholder's pro rata portion of
         dividends which exceeds such current and accumulated earnings and
         profits will first reduce the Unitholder's tax basis in such Security,
         and to the extent that such dividends exceed a Unitholder's tax basis
         in such Security, shall be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of
         property.

                 (iii) The price a Unitholder pays for his Units, generally
         including sales charges, is allocated among his pro rata portion of
         each Security held by a Trust (in proportion to the fair market values
         thereof on the valuation date closest to the date the Unitholder
         purchases his Units), in order to determine his tax basis for his pro
         rata portion of each Security held by a Trust.

                  (iv) Gain or loss will be recognized to a Unitholder (subject
         to various nonrecognition provisions under the Code) upon redemption or
         sale of his Units, except to the extent an in kind distribution of
         stock is received by such Unitholder from a Trust as discussed below.
         Such gain or loss is measured by comparing the proceeds of such
         redemption or sale with the adjusted basis of his Units. Before
         adjustment, such basis would normally be cost if the Unitholder had
         acquired his Units by purchase. Such basis will be reduced, but not
         below zero, by the Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends with
         respect to each Security which is not taxable as ordinary income.

                   (v) If the Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by
         sale, taxable exchange, liquidation, redemption, payment on maturity or
         otherwise) gain or loss will be recognized to the Unitholder (subject
         to various nonrecognition provisions under the Code) and the amount
         thereof will be measured by comparing the Unitholder's aliquot share of
         the total proceeds from the transaction with his basis for his
         fractional interest in the asset disposed of. Such basis is ascertained
         by apportioning the tax basis for his Units (as of the date on which
         his Units were acquired) among each of the Trust assets (as of the date
         on which his Units were acquired) ratably according to their values as
         of the valuation date nearest the date on which he purchased such
         Units. A Unitholder's basis in his Units and of his fractional interest
         in each Trust asset must be reduced, but not below zero, by the
         Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends with respect to each
         Security which are not taxable as ordinary income.

                  (vi) Under the Indenture, under certain circumstances, a
         Unitholder tendering Units for redemption may request an in kind
         distribution of U.S. traded Securities upon the redemption of Units or
         upon the termination of a Trust. A Unitholder will receive cash
         representing his pro rata portion of the foreign Securities in such a
         Trust. As previously discussed, prior to the redemption of Units or the
         termination of a Trust, a Unitholder is considered as owning a pro rata
         portion of each of the particular Trust's assets. The receipt of an in
         kind distribution will result in a Unitholder receiving an undivided
         interest in whole shares of stock and possibly cash. The potential
         federal income tax consequences which may occur under an in kind
         distribution with respect to each Security owned by a Trust will depend
         upon whether or not a Unitholder receives cash in addition to
         Securities. A "Security" for this purpose is a particular class of
         stock issued by a particular corporation. A Unitholder will not
         recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder only receives Securities in
         exchange for his or her pro rata portion of the Securities held by the
         Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash in exchange for a
         fractional share of a U.S. traded Security or for a foreign Security
         held by a Trust, such Unitholder will generally recognize gain or loss
         based upon the difference between the amount of cash received by the
         Unitholder and his tax basis in such fractional share of a U.S. traded
         Security or such foreign Security held by such Trust. The total amount
         of taxable gains (or losses) recognized upon such redemption will
         generally equal the sum of the gain (or loss) recognized under the
         rules described above by the redeeming Unitholder with respect to each
         Security owned by a Trust.

         A domestic corporation owning Units in a Trust may be eligible for the
70% dividends received deduction pursuant to Section 243(a) of the Code with
respect to such Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends received by a Trust
(to the extent such dividends are taxable as ordinary income and are
attributable to domestic corporations), subject to the limitations imposed by
Sections 246 and 246A of the Code.

         To the extent dividends received by a Trust are attributable to foreign
corporations, a corporation that owns Units will not be entitled to the
dividends received deduction with respect to its pro rata portion of such
dividends since the dividends received deduction is generally available only
with respect to dividends paid by domestic corporations.

         It should be noted that payments to a Trust of dividends on Securities
that are attributable to foreign corporations may be subject to foreign
withholding taxes and Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding
the potential tax consequences relating to the payment of any such withholding
taxes by the Trust. Any dividends withheld as a result thereof will nevertheless
be treated as income to the Unitholders. Because under the grantor trust rules,
an investor is deemed to have paid directly his share of foreign taxes that have
been paid or accrued, if any, an investor may be entitled to a foreign tax
credit or deduction for United States tax purposes with respect to such taxes. A
required holding period is imposed for such credits.

         Section 67 of the Code provides that certain itemized deductions, such
as investment expenses, tax return preparation fees and employee business
expenses will be deductible by individuals only to the extent they exceed 2% of
such individual's adjusted gross income. Unitholders may be required to treat
some or all of the expenses of a Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions
subject to this limitation.

         A Unitholder will recognize taxable gain (or loss) when all or part of
the pro rata interest in a Security is either sold by a Trust or redeemed or
when a Unitholder disposes of his Units in a taxable transaction, in each case
for an amount greater (or less) than his tax basis therefor, subject to various
non-recognition provisions of the Code.

         Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or exchange will, under current
law, generally be capital gain or loss.

         The scope of this opinion is expressly limited to the matters set forth
herein, and, except as expressly set forth above, we express no opinion with
respect to any other taxes, including foreign, state or local taxes or
collateral tax consequences with respect to the purchase, ownership and
disposition of Units.

                                                          Very truly yours,

                                                          CHAPMAN AND CUTLER




                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.3

                                WINSTON & STRAWN
                                 200 Park Avenue
                             New York, NY 10166-4193

                                  March 8, 1999

Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 145
c/o The Bank of New York,
  As Trustee
101 Barclay Street, 17 West
New York, New York  10286

Dear Sirs:

         We have acted as special counsel for the Van Kampen Focus Portfolios,
Series 145 (the "Fund") consisting of The Dow Strategic 10 Trust, March 1999
Series; The Dow Strategic 5 Trust, March 1999 Series; Strategic Picks
Opportunity Trust, March 1999 Series; EAFE Strategic 20 Trust, March 1999 Series
and Euro Strategic 20 Trust, March 1999 Series (individually a "Trust" and, in
the aggregate, the "Trusts") for purposes of determining the applicability of
certain New York taxes under the circumstances hereinafter described.

         The Fund is created pursuant to a Trust Agreement (the "Indenture"),
dated as of today (the "Date of Deposit") among Van Kampen Funds Inc. (the
"Depositor"), American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of an affiliate
of Depositor, as Evaluator, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., an affiliate
of the Depositor, as Supervisory Servicer (the "Supervisory Servicer"), and The
Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"). As described in the prospectus
relating to the Fund dated today to be filed as an amendment to a registration
statement heretofore filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Prospectus") (File Number 333-72087),
the objectives of the Fund are to provide the potential for dividend income and
capital appreciation through investment in a fixed portfolio of actively traded
equity securities in the country denominated in the Trust's name. It is noted
that no opinion is expressed herein with regard to the Federal tax aspects of
the securities, the Trusts, units of the Trusts (the "Units"), or any interest,
gains or losses in respect thereof.

         As more fully set forth in the Indenture and in the Prospectus, the
activities of the Trustee will include the following:

         On the Date of Deposit, the Depositor will deposit with the Trustee
with respect to each Trust the securities and/or contracts and cash for the
purchase thereof together with an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount
required for the purchase price of the securities comprising the corpus of the
Trust as more fully set forth in the Prospectus.

         The Trustee did not participate in the selection of the securities to
be deposited in the Trusts, and, upon the receipt thereof, will deliver to the
Depositor a registered certificate for the number of Units representing the
entire capital of the Trusts as more fully set forth in the Prospectus. The
Units, which are represented by certificates ("Certificates"), will be offered
to the public upon the effectiveness of the registration statement.

         The duties of the Trustee, which are ministerial in nature, will
consist primarily of crediting the appropriate accounts with cash dividends
received by the Fund and with the proceeds from the disposition of securities
held in the Fund and the proceeds of the treasury obligation on maturity and the
distribution of such cash dividends and proceeds to the Unit holders. The
Trustee will also maintain records of the registered holders of Certificates
representing an interest in the Fund and administer the redemption of Units by
such Certificate holders and may perform certain administrative functions with
respect to an automatic reinvestment option.

         Generally, equity securities held in the Trusts may be removed
therefrom by the Trustee at the direction of the Depositor upon the occurrence
of certain specified events which adversely affect the sound investment
character of the Fund, such as default by the issuer in payment of declared
dividends or of interest or principal on one or more of its debt obligations.

         Prior to the termination of the Fund, the Trustee is empowered to sell
equity securities designated by the Supervisory Servicer only for the purpose of
redeeming Units tendered to it and of paying expenses for which funds are not
available. The Trustee does not have the power to vary the investment of any
Unit holder in the Fund, and under no circumstances may the proceeds of sale of
any equity securities held by the Fund be used to purchase new equity securities
to be held therein.

         Article 9-A of the New York Tax Law imposes a franchise tax on business
corporations, and, for purposes of that Article, Section 208(1) defines the term
"corporation" to include, among other things, "any business conducted by a
trustee or trustees wherein interest or ownership is evidenced by certificate or
other written instrument."

         The Regulations promulgated under Section 208 provide as follows:

         A business conducted by a trustee or trustees in which interest or
         ownership is evidenced by certificate or other written instrument
         includes, but is not limited to, an association commonly referred to as
         a "business trust" or "Massachusetts trust". In determining whether a
         trustee or trustees are conducting a business, the form of the
         agreement is of significance but is not controlling. The actual
         activities of the trustee or trustees, not their purposes and powers,
         will be regarded as decisive factors in determining whether a trust is
         subject to tax under Article 9-A. The mere investment of funds and the
         collection of income therefrom, with incidental replacement of
         securities and reinvestment of funds, does not constitute the conduct
         of a business in the case of a business conducted by a trustee or
         trustees. 20 NYCRR 1-2.5(b)(2) (July 11, 1990).

         New York cases dealing with the question of whether a trust will be
subject to the franchise tax have also delineated the general rule that where a
trustee merely invests funds and collects and distributes the income therefrom,
the trust is not engaged in business and is not subject to the franchise tax.
Burrell v. Lynch, 274 A.D. 347, 84 N.Y.S.2d 171 (3rd Dept. 1948), order
resettled, 274 A.D. 1083, 85 N.Y.S.2d 705 (3rd Dept. 1949).

         In an Opinion of the Attorney General of the State of New York, 47 N.Y.
Att'y. Gen. Rep. 213 (Nov. 24, 1942), it was held that where the trustee of an
unincorporated investment trust was without authority to reinvest amounts
received upon the sales of securities and could dispose of securities making up
the trust only upon the happening of certain specified events or the existence
of certain specified conditions, the trust was not subject to the franchise tax.

         In the instant situation, the Trustee is not empowered to, and we
assume will not, sell equity securities contained in the corpus of the Fund and
reinvest the proceeds therefrom. Further, the power to sell such equity
securities is limited to circumstances in which the credit-worthiness or
soundness of the issuer of such equity security is in question or in which cash
is needed to pay redeeming Unit holders or to pay expenses, or where the Fund is
liquidated subsequent to the termination of the Indenture. In substance, the
Trustee will merely collect and distribute income and will not reinvest any
income or proceeds, and the Trustee has no power to vary the investment of any
Unit holder in the Fund.

         Under Subpart E of Part I, Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the grantor of a trust will be
deemed to be the owner of the trust under certain circumstances, and therefore
taxable on his proportionate interest in the income thereof. Where this Federal
tax rule applies, the income attributed to the grantor will also be income to
him for New York income tax purposes. See TSB-M-78(9)(c), New York Department of
Taxation and Finance, June 23, 1978.

         By letter dated today, Messrs. Chapman and Cutler, counsel for the
Depositor, rendered their opinion that each Unit holder will be considered as
owning a share of each asset of a Trust in the proportion that the number of
Units held by such holder bears to the total number of Units outstanding and the
income of a Trust will be treated as the income of each Unit holder in said
proportion pursuant to Subpart E of Part I, Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the
Code.

         Based on the foregoing and on the opinion of Messrs. Chapman and
Cutler, counsel for the Depositor, dated today, upon which we specifically rely,
we are of the opinion that under existing laws, rulings, and court decisions
interpreting the laws of the State and City of New York:

         1. Each of the Trusts will not constitute an association taxable as a
corporation under New York law, and, accordingly, will not be subject to tax on
its income under the New York State franchise tax or the New York City general
corporation tax.

         2. The income of the Trusts will be treated as the income of the Unit
holders under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York.

         3. Unit holders who are not residents of the State of New York are not
subject to the income tax laws thereof with respect to any interest or gain
derived from the Fund or any gain from the sale or other disposition of the
Units, except to the extent that such interest or gain is from property employed
in a business, trade, profession or occupation carried on in the State of New
York.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement relating to the Units and to the use of our name and the
reference to our firm in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus.

                                                          Very truly yours,

                                                          WINSTON & STRAWN



                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.1

Interactive Data
14 West Street
New York, NY  10005

March  8, 1999

Van Kampen Funds Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

                         Re: Van Kampen Focus Portfolios

                The Dow Strategic 10 Trust, March 1999 Series
                The Dow Strategic 5 Trust, March 1999 Series
                Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust, March 1999 Series
                EAFE Strategic 20 Trust, March 1999 Series
                Euro Strategic 20 Trust, March 1999 Series
                (A Unit Investment Trust) Registered Under the Securities
                  Act of 1933, File No. 333-72087

Gentlemen:

         We have examined the Registration Statement for the above captioned
Fund.

         We hereby consent to the reference in the Prospectus and Registration
Statement for the above captioned Fund to Interactive Data Corporation, as the
Evaluator, and to the use of the Obligations prepared by us which are referred
to in such Prospectus and Registration Statement.

         You are authorized to file copies of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.

                                                       Very truly yours,

                                                            James Perry
                                                         Vice President




                                                                 EXHIBIT 4.2


                INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT

         We have issued our report dated March 8, 1999 on the statements of
condition and related securities portfolios of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios,
Series 145 as of March 8, 1999 contained in the Registration Statement on Form
S-6 and Prospectus. We consent to the use of our report in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus and to the use of our name as it appears under the
caption "Other Matters-Independent Certified Public Accountants."

                                                             GRANT THORNTON LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 8, 1999




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